MIL-DTL-81927C(AS)
a. Word length. The length of a word is measured by its number of syllables. Simple
common words of a few syllables shall be used to convey the intended meaning. The
average word length shall not exceed 1.60 syllables. The desired average word length is
1 to 1.5 syllables, but 1.51 to 1.60 is acceptable. Military terms and mandatory technical
words are excluded from this restriction.
b. Sentence length. Sentences should be short and concise in order to facilitate ease of
understanding and retention of thought. The average sentence length shall not exceed 20
words. The desired average is 17 words or less, but 18 to 20 words is acceptable. The
use of compound and complex sentences should be avoided in order to achieve maximum
comprehensibility.
c. Paragraphing. Paragraphs should deal with a single subject and shall include only as
much information as the average reader can comfortably retain. The desired paragraph
length is three to four sentences, but five to six sentences is acceptable.
d. Word usage. It is important to choose the correct word for each meaning, situation, or
occasion. The consistent choice of correct words and the use of simple or preferred
words will reduce a potential source of confusion. Verbs should be selected using the
preferred verbs listing contained in NAVAIR 00-25-700. The quality of sentence
structure and the correct choice and position of words in a sentence will reduce sentence
complexity.
e. Use of Shall, Will, Shall, and May. Use the word "shall" to express a mandatory or
binding provision. "Will" may be used to express declaration of purpose. It may be
necessary to use "will" in cases where simple futurity is required, such as: "power to the
bombing mode will be provided through the navigational system. Use "shall" and "may"
whenever it is necessary to express nonmandatory provisions, or an acceptable or
preferred means of accomplishment. "Shall" may also designate the proper result of an
action, e.g., POWER lamp shall light.
f. Use of indefinite words. Indefinite words (such as approximately and about) shall not be
used to express specific limits, such as measurements, tolerances and values.
g. Tolerances, limits, and torque values. Tolerances, limits, and torque values shall be
expressed in limit dimensions and in terms compatible with the equipment authorized at
the maintenance level to which the tolerances and limits apply.
(1) In a procedural step, the acceptable range of a measurement, reading, or similar
value shall be expressed using specific limits (e.g., "between 1.5 and 2.5") rather
than using a tolerance.
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