Every rule, and how hard it binds

23 rules match. Clear filters

1. GRM-005 Unambiguous pronoun reference IF a pronoun has two or more plausible antecedents OR none, THEN replace it with the intended noun phrase ELSE retain. Hard constraint
2. GRM-009 Complete comparative relation IF a comparison can attach to more than one comparison set, THEN state the full set or rewrite ELSE retain. Hard constraint
3. GRM-016 Parallel grammatical form IF coordinated items perform the same function AND use mismatched forms without rhetorical purpose, THEN make their structures parallel ELSE retain. Context default
4. SYN-003 Prefer visible actor–action order IF the reader must act or identify responsibility AND no stronger reason favors passive voice, THEN place the actor before the action ELSE retain. Context default
5. SYN-007 Limit nested clauses for general audiences IF clause nesting exceeds two levels AND the audience is not expert-only, THEN split or promote a buried clause ELSE retain necessary complexity. Heuristic
6. SYN-010 Convert avoidable nominalizations IF an abstract noun hides a clear actor and action AND the noun is not a stable technical term, THEN convert it to a verb ELSE retain. Heuristic
7. SYN-011 Remove empty openings IF THERE IS/IT IS delays a concrete subject without serving information structure, THEN make the concrete subject the grammatical subject ELSE retain. Heuristic
8. SYN-012 Preserve logical connector meaning IF two propositions are joined, THEN choose a connector whose relation matches addition, contrast, cause, condition, concession, sequence, example, or result ELSE state the relation explicitly. Hard constraint
9. SYN-020 Split overloaded sentences by proposition IF a sentence contains more than three major propositions OR more than one unrelated rhetorical move, THEN split at the strongest logical boundary ELSE retain. Heuristic
10. STR-001 One controlling move per paragraph IF a paragraph performs more than one unrelated rhetorical move, THEN split it at the move boundary ELSE retain. Context default
11. STR-002 Expose the paragraph point IF the paragraph’s controlling point is absent or recoverable only after rereading, THEN state or move it to a strategic position ELSE retain an intentional delayed reveal. Heuristic
12. STR-005 Use transitions that name the relation IF adjacent paragraphs have a meaningful but unstated relation, THEN add a transition that expresses that relation ELSE retain. Context default
13. STR-006 Delete orphan paragraphs IF a paragraph neither advances the purpose nor supports another necessary move, THEN delete or relocate it ELSE retain. Heuristic
14. CLR-001 Prefer the precise familiar word IF two words are equally accurate AND one is more familiar to the audience, THEN use the familiar word ELSE keep the precision-bearing term. Context default
15. CLR-006 Replace vague reference words IF THIS, THAT, IT, THEY, FORMER, or LATTER has an uncertain referent, THEN repeat or summarize the referent ELSE retain. Hard constraint
16. CLR-008 Use concrete examples after abstractions IF a central abstraction lacks a concrete instance AND the audience knowledge gap is moderate or large, THEN add one representative example ELSE retain. Heuristic
17. CLR-011 Put the main point before qualifications IF qualifications delay the main clause beyond easy recovery, THEN state the core point first and attach the qualifications clearly ELSE retain legally necessary order. Heuristic
18. CLR-012 Delete redundant meaning IF two adjacent elements express the same necessary meaning AND repetition adds no emphasis, rhythm, definition, or legal precision, THEN delete the weaker duplicate ELSE retain. Heuristic
19. CLR-013 Compress throat-clearing IF an opening comments on the act of writing rather than advancing the subject, THEN delete it or replace it with the point ELSE retain necessary framing. Heuristic
20. VOI-001 Declare voice before polishing IF a document lacks a voice profile, THEN define relationship, formality, energy, warmth, confidence, and permitted vocabulary ELSE use the profile. Context default
21. VOI-004 Vary sentence length for function IF sentence lengths are mechanically uniform, THEN vary them according to emphasis, explanation, transition, and pace ELSE retain. Heuristic
22. ARG-002 One controlling thesis IF a document makes multiple unrelated controlling claims, THEN narrow, subordinate, or split them ELSE retain. Context default
23. EDT-001 Do not polish before purpose is stable IF audience, purpose, outcome, or controlling idea is unresolved, THEN perform strategy or developmental editing before line editing ELSE continue. Hard constraint