Boeing Simplified English Checker

ASD Simplified Technical English (formerly AECMA Simplified English) is a writing standard for aerospace maintenance documentation. The standard is defined in Specification ASD-STE100. This type of writing standard is also known as a controlled language because it restricts grammar, style and vocabulary to a subset of the English language. The main characteristics of the Simplified Technical English standard are:

• Simplified grammar and style rules
• A limited set of approved vocabulary with restricted meanings
• A thesaurus of frequently used terms and suggested alternatives
• Guidelines for adding new technical words to the approved vocabulary 

The objective of Simplified Technical English is clear, unambiguous writing. Developed primarily for non-native English speakers, it is also known to improve the readability of maintenance text for native speakers. ASD Simplified Technical English does not attempt to define English grammar or prescribe correct English. It does attempt to limit the range of English, and many of its rules are recommendations found in technical writing textbooks. For example, STE requires writers to:

• Use the active voice
• Use articles wherever possible
• Use simple verb tenses
• Use language consistently
• Avoid lengthy compound words
• Use relatively short sentences

While ASD Simplified Technical English is designed for use in aerospace maintenance documentation, controlled languages can be created for other writing domains. Companies in several industries — manufacturing, mining, oil exploration and software development, for example — have modified ASD Simplified Technical English or produced their own controlled-language writing standards. The Boeing Simplified English Checker can be modified to support more general technical writing.

A language checker is a software application that helps authors comply with a controlled-language specification. Examples of controlled languages include ASD Simplified Technical English, Attempto Controlled English, Caterpillar Technical English, Global English and the U.S. government's Plain Language specification.

The Boeing Simplified English Checker (BSEC) helps writers comply with ASD Simplified Technical English (STE), developed by the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe. ASD controls the Simplified Technical English standard, which is defined in Specification ASD-STE100, “ASD Simplified Technical English: A Guide for the Preparation of Aircraft Maintenance Documentation in the International Aerospace Maintenance Language” (often called the “STE Specification”). More information about the guide can be found at the ASD STEMG website.

Does the BSEC automatically correct sentences? No. No language checker can guarantee full compliance with STE, because the goal of STE is clarity. Only human writers can judge whether a sentence or paragraph makes good sense. The BSEC is intended for use by writers who have been trained to write in Simplified Technical English. It notifies writers when they used unapproved vocabulary or grammatical constructions, and it supplies them with approved alternative expressions.

Why do you need a language checker? Writing in a controlled-language standard is difficult. It often forces writers to think differently about how they present information. Even the best writers forget which words are approved and what expressions to substitute for unapproved words. A checker supplements the writer’s memory, and it promotes a higher level of accuracy and consistency in the workplace. Cost savings to the organization appear in the form of reduced cycle times and less need for revision.

Although ASD Simplified Technical English is designed for use in aerospace maintenance documentation, controlled languages can be created for other technical writing domains. Companies in several industries — manufacturing, mining, oil exploration and software development, for example — have modified ASD Simplified Technical English or produced their own controlled-language writing standards.