What Is Simplified Technical English (STE)?
Clearer writing. Safer products. Fewer misunderstandings.
Simplified Technical English (STE), officially known as ASD-STE100, is an international standard for writing clear, unambiguous technical content. ASD-STE100 consists of restricted writing rules and a limited (controlled) vocabulary.
Originally developed for aviation, it is now used across industries such as aerospace, defence, automotive, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and IT – anywhere safety, compliance, and clarity matter. STE is now a powerful tool for diverse industries.
Learn more about the history of STE
STE was created in the 1980s by the European aerospace industry to improve the clarity of maintenance manuals in aviation. Since 1983, the STE Maintenance Group has been working to make technical English clear, consistent, and safe – for everyone, everywhere.
The two core components of ASD-STE100
Writing rules
- Use active voice
- One instruction per sentence
- No unnecessary synonyms or jargon
- Minimum number of words per sentence
- Consistency across documents and teams
A controlled dictionary
- Around 900 approved technical words
- Each word has a single, defined meaning
Example: Instead of “begin,” “commence,” or “initiate,” STE uses only “start”
Why Use STE?
Misunderstood instructions cost time, money, and lives. STE solves this by reducing complexity and standardising vocabulary.
It is especially effective for:
- Technical manuals and service instructions.
- Multilingual environments.
- Safety-critical documentation.
- AI-readiness and data reuse.
Download ASD-STE 100
To download the latest ASD-STE 100 Issue 9 for free, please visit this form which collects statistical data on the use of ASD-STE 100.
Contact
Iryna Drobot
- Services & Standards Junior Manager
- +32 473 31 16 12