Controlled English


Software Tools,
Dictionaries and
Writer Training.

 What is Controlled English?

SMART Controlled English (CE) is a technical vocabulary of  approximately 1,500  basic words, plus product terminology. A typical Controlled English dictionary has 5,500 to 8,500+ terms. The use of SMART Controlled English removes ambiguity, increases readability and enhances the usability of technical documentation. 

Terminology Management

Step 2:  All Controlled English vocabularies are managed in the SMART Lexicon Manager. This program lets the writers share common dictionaries across workgroups. The Controlled English approach also enforces standardization of terminology. The Lexicon Manager links to the SMART Translator.
Create a Controlled Vocabulary

Step 1:  The SMART Text Miner is a tool for the development of Controlled English dictionaries. The reports from SMART Text Miner help linguists to create custom dictionaries in less than 30 days.

 Learn Controlled English

Step 3:  SMART offers instructor-led Writers' Workshops or eLearning courses to teach Controlled English techniques. The training courses include demonstrations of  the MAXit Checker.
Follow these quick links.
Click to see an animated demo of Controlled English.

Click here to link to the larger MAXit Flash demo with English narration.

  Six Sigma.

These examples show before and after use of Controlled English.

Controlled English texts are easier to read, translate and understand.

Check magnetic strip reader bar codes.
(strip is the wrong technical name.)		 Check the bar codes read by the
magnetic stripe reader.
It consists of two computers and server.
 		 The network has two computers and
one server.
When you are done completing the form ... After you enter the data into the form ...

We offer 2-3 day
instructor-led workshops or  eLearning.

 How to Check Controlled English Texts with the MAXit Checker

MAXit Checker tool.is a plug-in for most authoring platforms. The MAXit Checker interactively checks texts for grammar, syntax, style and compliance to the Controlled English dictionaries. 

Visit the MAXit page for screen shots and software specifications.

The MAXit Checker is offered  for Microsoft WORD, Arbortext Editor, FrameMaker, XMetaL and Webx UltraXML. Versions available for both Windows, Linux and Unix.

Benefis of CE for Web Services.
Ideal for Technical Documentation, IETMs, eLearning, Help Texts, DITA and User Training.

Features and  benefits of Controlled English

  • Key principle is ONE WORD - ONE MEANING.
  • CE  is easy to write, read and understand in 191 countries
  • CE enforces a consistent style that enhances readability and usability
  • Removal of ambiguity to create six sigma technical English.
  • Reduction in the time needed for technician and customer support training.
  • Cross-cultural linguistic acceptance in 181 countries.
  • Ideal base for computer-aided language translation of texts. (30% saving.)
  • MAXit Checker is integrated into major XML publishing systems.
  • Reduction in the exposure to product liability by improved documentation.
  • A globalization language for Customer Support.

Low-cost method to start a pilot project.

Request quote below.

    What does the Starter Kit include?

  • ONE  MAXit Checker software license. (FrameMaker or WORD)
  • A printed 200+ page customized Writer's Guide.
  • A "core" Controlled English Dictionary.
  • A "starter kit" Technical Dictionary, ready for customization.
  • A sample Reverse Dictionary with thousands of synonyms.
  • Addition of 200 terms for your product terminology.
  • Full software support by Email to answer your questions.
  • The Starter Kit is a FULL LICENSE, limited to ONE user.
FREE Cost Estimates for CE Tools Buy Controlled English tools.Request a FREE cost estimate. Click the Quick Quote icon and describe your needs. Include number of writers, platforms and domains.
Ideas on how to use Controlled English Read about how industries and services benefit from Controlled English documentation in global operations. Read our case studies.
Plain English for Consumer English Banks, Insurance, Government Agencies and Consumer English
Visit our  Plain English (PE) page and learn  how the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has simplified their web pages for 10 million drivers. Banks and Credit Card companies ask about our Plain English consultancy for forms.
Download the Controlled English Specification sheet.
  We welcome pre-sales questions. 
 Updated: 05/18/2010 © 2010 Smart Communications, Inc., New York, All Rights Reserved.