Controlled English
Controlled English, also known as Simplified English, Standardized English or Easy English is a controlled language.
The goal of a controlled language is to reduce or eliminate ambiguity and complexity by restricting the grammar and vocabulary.
By applying rules like "write one topic per sentence", "do not use gerunds", "avoid complex verbs" and by standardizing on corporate terminology (writers will use one word consistently instead of 15 words that have the same meaning), Controlled English increases the quality of technical documentation, and simplifies the (semi-)automatic translation of documentation.
For a complete list of benefits resulting from the use of Controlled English, click here.
Tedopres offers a full range of Controlled English implementation services, including HyperSTE, the leading quality assurance checker tool that ensures compliance with:
- standardized company terminology; and/or
- corporate style guide rules
Based on your corporate controlled authoring needs HyperSTE can be fully customized.
We serve all industries, including: aerospace, military, software, automotive, machinery, electrical equipment, semiconductors, medical devices, telecommunications, government, oil and gas, railroads, banking, finance, process control, test and measurement, Information Technology (IT), consumer electronics, fitness equipment.
For a list of HyperSTE customers, representing a variety of industries, click here.
You can view a few industry examples below. If you are an aerospace or defense company, and are looking for compliance with ASD Simplified Technical English (ASD-STE100), please click here.
Examples, before and after
Electrical Equipment - Power Tools
BEFORE - Original text:
Gain access to blade. After removing old blade, new blade may be fitted by proceeding in reverse order, using gloves to avoid injuries by teeth of blade.
Before you attempt any of the above, the power should have been switched off.
AFTER - Text rewritten in Simplified Technical English:
Make sure that the on/off switch is in the "off" position.
Remove the blade cover from the machine.
Warning: wear gloves when you touch the blade.
Remove the used blade. Install the new blade. See figure A.
Install the blade cover.
Rewriting the original text in Simplified Technical English has led to a text that has complete and compact sentences that clearly describe every action separately - and in the correct order.
Machinery - Operator's Manual, Example 1
BEFORE - Original text:
OPERATING TECHNIQUES
WARNING
Before operating the lift truck, FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT. There are a number of operations, if not performed carefully, that can cause the lift truck to tip. If you have not read the WARNING page in the front of this Operating Manual, do so NOW. As you study the following information about how to properly operate a lift truck, remember the WARNINGS.
AFTER - Text rewritten in Simplified Technical English:
HOW TO OPERATE THE LIFT TRUCK
WARNING
Before you operate the lift truck, fasten your seat belt. If you are not careful, some operations can cause the lift truck to fall over. Read the warning page in the front of this manual now. While you read the procedures below, remember the warnings.
Machinery - Operator's Manual, Example 2
BEFORE - Original text:
Basic Operating Procedures
Many people make the mistake of thinking that operating a lift truck is the same as driving an automobile. This is not true. It is true that some lift truck operating procedures are as simple and obvious as driving the family automobile. Because of the close areas in which a lift truck operates and its other operating characteristics (like rear wheel steering and tail swing), every operator must receive additional training, even if they have a license to drive an automobile. The following discussion lists basic procedures applicable to lift truck operation.
AFTER - Text rewritten in Simplified Technical English:
Basic operating procedures
Only approved personnel can operate a lift truck. You must get special training, also if you have a driver's license. A lift truck and a car operate differently. The text below gives you basic procedures to operate a lift truck.
Medical Equipment
BEFORE - Original text:
Connecting extension modules to the device
Attention! The base module device must be separated from the supply network when connecting or removing one or several extension modules! You will find a 25-pole sub socket on the back of the device base module. You will find a 25-pole D-sub socket and a 25-pole D-sub plug respectively on the back of the extension module. You will receive a connection cable (25-pole D-sub plug / socket) with each extension module.
Pay attention that: The device socket is always the output, and the plug is the device input (device or extension module). That means:
The base module socket is always connected using the plug of the subsequent extension module. If you want to connect more than one extension module, the socket of the first (previous) extension module is connected using the plug of the second (subsequent) extension module. When connecting the extension modules, only use the 25-pole connection cable that is supplied with each extension module. The extension modules are controlled by the base module and supplied with voltage. Operation is also via the base module. A maximum of three extension modules can be connected to one base module.
AFTER - Text rewritten in Simplified Technical English:
How to connect extension modules to the device
CAUTION:
Do not connect or remove an extension module when the base module is connected to the supply network.
Do not use cables other than that supplied with each extension module.
Do not attach more than 3 extension modules to one base module.
- Remove the base module from the supply network.
- Connect an extension module cable to the 25-pole D socket of the base module.
- Connect the cable to the 25-pole D connector of the first extension module.
- Connect an extension module cable from the 25-pole D connector of the subsequent module.
- Connect the cable to the 25-pole D connector of the subsequent module.
- Do steps 4 and 5 to connect a third extension module.
- Connect the base module to the supply network.