Words ending in ing are not wrong, but they often weaken writing when used too much. They blur the action by turning direct verbs like build or run into softer forms like building or running. The result is writing that feels less confident, less precise, and harder to read.
Why It Matters for Product Teams
Technical content thrives on clarity and action. Heavy use of ing forms makes instructions sound uncertain or more complex than they need to be. This especially affects readers who rely on translated content. Clean, direct verbs improve comprehension, localisation quality, and tone consistency across documentation and UI text.
How to Apply It
Replace ing forms with simple, active verbs whenever possible, keep ing only when you describe an ongoing process or when it is grammatically essential, and read instructions aloud to catch sentences that feel like they circle the point. If it sounds indirect, it probably is.
Examples
Not Effective:When installing the software, make sure the system is running and the configuration is loading correctly.
Effective:When you install the software, make sure the system runs and the configuration loads correctly.
Not Effective:Clicking the button is triggering the process.
Effective:Click the button to start the process.
Trim the ing. Clear verbs create clear actions. Give the reader the shortest path to momentum.
