01
It starts by itself
prose files change. Runs in GitHub Actions or Claude Code routine.
- ↻ prose files change
push paths: docs/**, README.md
softaworks · 4K installsWriting Clearly and Concisely skill
Runs by itself, prose files change.
Human-facing prose reads clear and tight.
Install the Writing Clearly and Concisely skill and make it a habit: follow https://gethabit.dev/skills/softaworks/writing-clearly-and-concisely.md
- 1Copy
- 2Paste into Claude Code, Codex or Cursor
- 3It runs by itself
4K installs3K starsMIT licenceSource on GitHub ↗
Writing Clearly and Concisely
by softaworks · 4K installs
The skill
Writing clearly and concisely edits prose for humans, from docs and commit messages to error messages and UI text, applying Strunk's Elements of Style rules and removing AI writing patterns.
Only when you ask.
The habit
Human-facing prose reads clear and tight.
↻ Runs by itselfprose files change
How the habit works.
You don't have to.
When does it start? How does it check its work? What does it remember?
One run, step by step.
Then it stops.
Stops after the changed prose of one change, with 1 retry.
- 01
Draft the edit
Make a first pass with judgment on the changed prose.
- 02
Load the section
Read 03-elementary-principles-of-composition.md for active voice, concrete language and concision.
- 03
Apply Strunk
Rewrite for active voice, positive form, concrete words and emphatic words at the end.
- 04
Cut AI patterns
Remove puffery, empty -ing phrases, promotional adjectives and formatting overuse.
- 05
Log issues
Record recurring wording problems for the next run.
What it may do.
Nothing more.
It writes only in its own folder and asks you before anything goes out.
- Writes only indocs/**, README.md, loops/prose-clarity-edit-loop/**
- Talks tono outside service
- Sendsnothing
- Your OKNothing goes out, so it needs no OK.
Is it for you?
Use it when it fits.
Read both lists. If the left one sounds like you, the Writing Clearly and Concisely skill helps.
Use it when
- ✓ You write docs or a README
- ✓ You write error or UI copy
- ✓ You tighten a draft
Skip it when
- – You generate code only
- – You want longer, fancier prose
Writing Clearly and Concisely skill, answered.
Which section should I load first?
03-elementary-principles-of-composition.md covers most of what matters.
Which words signal AI writing?
The skill flags words like delve, leverage, seamless, robust and tapestry.
How do I install the Writing Clearly and Concisely skill?
Copy the prompt at the top into your agent. It installs the skill from softaworks/agent-toolkit and sets up the habit. Or run npx skills add softaworks/agent-toolkit --skill writing-clearly-and-concisely.
Is the Writing Clearly and Concisely skill free?
Yes. It is published under MIT. Habit is free too.
Writing Clearly and Concisely. Now as a habit.
Install the Writing Clearly and Concisely skill and make it a habit: follow https://gethabit.dev/skills/softaworks/writing-clearly-and-concisely.md
All softaworks skills →More docs skills →
Works in
- Claude Code
- Codex
- Cursor
- ChatGPT
- Claude app
Made by softaworks, published under MIT. Habit links to the original and never changes it. Is this your skill?