Core writing rules for clear, concise prose. Load when writing any text a human will read.
Apply to all prose: documentation, commit messages, reports, explanations, UI text.
LLMs regress to statistical means, producing generic, inflated prose. Recognise and eliminate:
Banned words and phrases - these are LLM tells: pivotal, crucial, vital, testament, enduring legacy, indelible mark, nestled, in the heart of, groundbreaking, seamless, robust, cutting-edge, delve, leverage, multifaceted, foster, realm, tapestry, vibrant, nuanced, intricate, intricacies, interplay, landscape (figurative), garnered, underpinning, underscores, showcasing, streamline, aligns with
Banned patterns:
<example_bad> The configuration system plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless deployment across environments, showcasing the framework's robust architecture and highlighting its commitment to developer experience. </example_bad>
<example_good> The configuration system deploys consistently across environments. </example_good>
<example_bad> It's important to note that this feature leverages a multifaceted approach, delving into the intricacies of the underlying architecture to foster a more streamlined workflow. </example_bad>
<example_good> This feature reduces deployment steps from five to two. </example_good>
For extended writing tasks (documentation, blog posts, technical guides), load prose-style-reference for the full Strunk composition rules and expanded AI pattern catalogue.