Writing Standards

Based on William Zinsser's "On Writing Well".

Core Principles

Clarity

• One idea per sentence
• Short sentences (<25 words)
• Active voice ("We fixed" not "was fixed")

Brevity

• Every word must earn its place
• Cut redundant words
• Delete clutter

Simplicity

• Simple words over complex
• Concrete over abstract
• Specific over vague

Patterns

Commit Messages

<verb> <what>

• Add user authentication
• Fix payment validation
• Refactor database queries

Never: "Fixed stuff", "Updates", "Claude Code"

PR Descriptions

## Summary
[One sentence: what changed]

## Why
[One paragraph: motivation]

## Testing
[How to verify]

Error Messages

<What happened>. <What to do>.

• User not found. Check the email.
• Payment failed. Retry or contact support.

Documentation

1. What it does (one sentence)
2. Why it exists (one paragraph)
3. How to use it (clear steps)
4. Examples (if needed)

Avoid

• Passive voice
• Redundant words ("in order to" → "to")
• Jargon without explanation
• Hedging ("might", "possibly")
• Long paragraphs (>5 sentences)

Test Your Writing

• Can you cut 30%?
• Is every word necessary?
• Would you say this to a friend?
• Can someone skim and understand?