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paths:
  - "**/*.md"
  - "docs/**"
---

# STE Documentation Style

- Limit procedural (instruction) sentences to 20 words and descriptive sentences to 25 words.
- Write one instruction per sentence; put only one topic in each paragraph, and keep paragraphs to six sentences or fewer.
- Use the active voice; in descriptions, allow passive only when the actor is unknown or irrelevant.
- Start safety warnings and cautions with a clear command or the condition under which it applies.
- Use one term for one concept everywhere; do not rotate synonyms (pick "make sure", not sometimes "verify"/"check"/"ensure").
- Use each word as one part of speech only (e.g. "oil" as a noun, never "oil the valve").
- Use only simple verb forms: infinitive, imperative, simple present, simple past, simple future; avoid the present perfect.
- Use "-ing" verb forms only inside established technical terms, not as general verbs.
- Do not stack more than three nouns in a row; break long noun clusters apart with prepositions.
- Do not drop articles, subjects, or verbs to shorten text; write complete sentences.
- Convert complex or multi-step prose into vertical lists.