Numerical Information

DOE-STD-1029-92

[6]

Select vocabulary carefully. Use simple, common vocabulary that accurately

reflects intended meaning and which is common and familiar in the context of the

training users receive. Use technical terms when they are the most common and

familiar terms to the users.

[7]

Adhere to grammatical conventions and to the punctuation rules of standard

American English.

[8]

Rewrite sentences, if necessary, to avoid excessive punctuation.

[9]

Avoid ambiguous words, e.g., "the right valve" should be rephrased as "the

right-hand valve" and augmented by the specific valve name or number.

[10]

Avoid vague adjectives (words modifying nouns) and adverbs (words modifying

verbs) which are subject to interpretation. Specify quantities whenever possible

(e.g., "Drain the tank at 10 gallons/minute" is preferable to "Drain the tank

slowly.").

[11]

Limit the use of abbreviations and acronyms.

[12]

Develop a restrictive list of abbreviations and acronyms and use only those words

on this list. Users should be familiar with these acronyms and abbreviations

without having to refer to the list.

[13]

Ensure that each abbreviation and acronym is uniquely associated with a single

specific term. Do not use the same abbreviation or acronym for two different

meanings.

[14]

Avoid using abbreviations ending in a period so as not to suggest the end of the

sentence.

3.1.4 Numerical Information

[1]

Maintain consistency in using Arabic numbers (e.g., 0, 1, 2) and spelled-out

numbers (e.g., zero, one, two).

[2]

Use spelled-out numbers when one number without a specified unit of measure is

followed directly by one with a unit of measure.