Translation readiness · hard · v4.6.1

TRN-01

Avoid words with multiple meanings that confuse translators. Replace 'once' (use 'after'), 'right' (use 'correct'), and 'since' (use 'because').

Pass example

After you sign in, you'll see your dashboard.

Fail example

Once you sign in, you'll see your dashboard.

Relevant content types

Weighted in these moments

This standard behaves differently depending on the reader's moment. Moment-aware evaluation picks one of these adjustments when the moment matches.

  • trust_permission Permission-gated — emphasize
    Trust copy must be transparent about what happens next.

Sources

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

  • Mailchimp

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 Translation readiness category.

  • TRN-02 — Avoid unnecessary -ing words that create ambiguity in translation. Rewrite gerunds and -ing adjectives when a simpler form exists. Progressive verb forms are acceptable when they describe an ongoing action ('Uploading your file...', 'Loading results...').
  • TRN-03 — Repeat subjects and verbs in compound sentences instead of relying on implied subjects. Many languages require explicit subjects.
  • TRN-04 — Avoid idioms, slang, and culturally specific references. These don't translate and confuse non-native speakers.
  • TRN-05 — Keep function words like 'the,' 'a,' 'that,' and 'to' even if they seem unnecessary. Removing them creates ambiguity in translation.
  • TRN-06 — Use metric measurements and 3-letter ISO currency codes (USD, EUR, GBP) instead of symbols when writing for international audiences. Currency symbols are acceptable in locale-specific content that will be localized (adapted per region) rather than translated (same content in multiple languages).
  • TRN-07 — Avoid using different words for the same concept within a single piece of content. If 'workspace,' 'team hub,' and 'project space' all refer to the same thing, pick one term and use it consistently. Different terms are acceptable when they refer to genuinely different concepts.

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