"English writing rules for generated content and code. Trigger: When generating, editing, or reviewing content, code, documentation, or prompts."
Install
npx skillscat add joabgonzalez/ai-agents-skills/english-writing Install via the SkillsCat registry.
English Writing
Enforces clear, professional English in all generated content (code, docs, prompts). Ensures American spelling, ASCII characters, clarity, and technical accuracy.
When to Use
- When generating or editing code, documentation, prompts, or reference material
- When reviewing or validating any written output
Don't use when:
- Translating to other languages (unless explicitly requested)
Critical Patterns
✅ REQUIRED: All content in English (American spelling)
All generated code, documentation, comments, and prompt content must be written in English, using American spelling.
✅ REQUIRED: ASCII apostrophes and hyphens
Use only ASCII apostrophes (') and hyphens (-) in all written content, code, and documentation.
# CORRECT
Don't use smart quotes or typographic dashes -- use ' and - only.
# WRONG
Don’t use “smart quotes” or – en dashes.✅ REQUIRED: Consistent punctuation, spacing, and capitalization
Ensure all content uses standard punctuation, single spaces after periods, and consistent capitalization for headings, lists, and code comments.
# CORRECT
// Fetch user data.
## Usage
# WRONG
// fetch user Data .
## usage✅ REQUIRED: Clear, direct language
Use clear, direct, and unambiguous language for both AI and human readers. Avoid filler, redundancy, and vague statements.
# CORRECT
Return an error if the file is missing.
# WRONG
It might be a good idea to return an error if the file is missing.✅ REQUIRED: Active voice
Use active voice for clarity and directness.
# CORRECT
Use useState for local state.
# WRONG
useState should be used for local state.✅ REQUIRED: Imperative mood
Write instructions in imperative mood.
# CORRECT
Add the dependency to package.json.
# WRONG
You should add the dependency to package.json.✅ REQUIRED: No hedging
Avoid hedging language ("consider", "might", "could").
# CORRECT
Use strict typing for all TypeScript files.
# WRONG
Consider using strict typing for TypeScript files.✅ REQUIRED: Minimal direct address
Avoid unnecessary use of "you"; focus on direct, actionable statements.
Decision Tree
Is the content, code, documentation, or prompt in English (American spelling)? → Proceed
Otherwise → Rewrite in English (American spelling)
Are only ASCII apostrophes and hyphens used? → Proceed
Otherwise → Replace with ASCII characters
Is punctuation, spacing, and capitalization consistent? → Proceed
Otherwise → Fix formatting
Is the language clear and direct? → Proceed
Otherwise → Rewrite for clarity
Is the sentence in active voice? → Proceed
Otherwise → Rewrite in active voice
Is the instruction in imperative mood? → Proceed
Otherwise → Rewrite in imperative mood
Is there hedging language? → Remove hedging
Is there unnecessary direct address? → Remove or rephrase
Otherwise → Content is compliantConventions
These rules apply to all generated code, documentation, comments, and prompt content. They do not apply to conversational responses in chat or user-facing explanations unless those are part of generated documentation or code comments.
Example
# CORRECT
Add the dependency to package.json.
# WRONG
You should add the dependency to package.json.Edge Cases
- If a code example requires a non-English string (e.g., for i18n), clearly comment the exception.