Clarity · nuanced · v4.6.1

CLR-04

One idea per sentence. Don't chain multiple concepts together.

Pass example

You can export your data as a CSV. The file will include all records from the selected date range.

Fail example

You can export your data as a CSV which will include all records from the selected date range and can be opened in Excel or Google Sheets for further analysis.

Relevant content types

Example pairs

Concrete before/after pairs observed in public style guides, each with inline attribution. See /sources for the full source list and licensing.

  • long_form_copy · long_form_copyall-rights-reserved

    Not this. You can export your data as a CSV which will include all records from the selected date range and can be opened in Excel or Google Sheets for further analysis.

    But this. Export your data as CSV. The file includes all records in the date range you picked; open it in Excel or Google Sheets.

    Atlassian: one idea per sentence beats clause-chain. The original has three; the rewrite has two, cleanly. — Atlassian Design System · Voice and tone — One idea per sentence

Sources

Style guides that shaped this standard. Each is listed on /sources with its license and opt-out path.

  • Atlassian Design System
  • Microsoft Writing Style Guide

Version history

  1. v4.6.1 · 2026-04-23

    Per-standard version tracking introduced. Every standard starts at the library version current at introduction; bump per-standard when the rule text, examples, or content_type_notes change.

Related standards

Other standards in the Clarity category.

  • CLR-01 — Use plain language. Avoid jargon, technical terms, or insider language unless the audience requires it.
  • CLR-02 — Lead with the most important information. Put the action or outcome first.
  • CLR-03 — Use short sentences. Aim for 15-20 words per sentence. Sentences over 25 words should almost always be split.
  • CLR-05 — Avoid confusing double negatives that make the reader work to parse the meaning. Constructions like 'not irreversible' or 'not uncommon' should be rewritten as direct statements. Natural phrasing like 'can't proceed without' is acceptable when it reads clearly.

← The content model