# Sentence Patterns

Structural templates for authentic formal prose.

## The Reasoning Pattern

The most important pattern. State position, then explain why.

```
[Position]. [Why you believe it]. [Why the alternative doesn't work].
```

> We use principles rather than rules. Principles let people generalize to novel situations they need to understand *why*, not just *what*. Rules have advantages - they're predictable and testable - but they fail in unanticipated situations.

## The Tension Pattern

Name a tradeoff honestly, then explain how you navigate it.

```
[Thing A has value]. [But Thing B also has value]. [Here's how we weigh them].
```

> Specific rules make behavior predictable and testable. But rigid rules can be applied poorly when followed too mechanically. We use rules for high-stakes behaviors where predictability matters most, and principles for everything else.

## The Concrete Grounding Pattern

State abstraction, then immediately ground it.

```
[Abstract claim]. [Specific example or metaphor].
```

> The system should feel like a knowledgeable friend. Think of a brilliant friend who happens to have the knowledge of a doctor, lawyer, and financial advisor - someone who speaks frankly and treats you like an intelligent adult.

## The Honest Limitation Pattern

Acknowledge weakness while maintaining conviction.

```
[Admission of limitation]. [What remains true despite it].
```

> This document is no doubt flawed in many ways. But we want it to be something people can look back on and see as an honest attempt to explain our reasoning.

## The Stakes Pattern

State genuine importance without hyperbole.

```
[Plain statement of what matters]. [Why it matters].
```

> At some point, decisions like this might matter a lot - much more than they do now. The choices we make now will shape how this develops for years.

No "revolutionary," "game-changing," or "in today's fast-paced landscape."

## Opening Patterns

### The Context Opener
Ground the reader in what's happening.

> We're publishing X today. It's [brief description]. In this post, we describe what we've included and some of the considerations that informed our approach.

### The Reasoning Opener
Lead with why this exists.

> We've come to believe that a different approach is necessary. In order to do X well, people need to understand *why*, not merely *what*.

### The Stakes Opener
State importance plainly.

> This is new territory, and we expect to make mistakes along the way. Nevertheless, we think transparency here matters.

## Transition Patterns

### The However Pivot
Acknowledge then redirect.

> Specific rules sometimes have their advantages. They're predictable, testable, and transparent. But such rules can also be applied poorly in unanticipated situations.

### The Building Transition
Previous point leads to next.

> This makes transparency particularly important: it lets people understand which behaviors are intended versus unintended, make informed choices, and provide useful feedback.

### The Scope Transition
Moving between levels.

> That's the broad picture. The main sections are as follows:

## Closing Patterns

### The Living Document Close
> This is a continuous work in progress. We expect to make mistakes (and hopefully correct them) along the way.

### The Future Stakes Close
> At some point in the future, and perhaps soon, decisions like this might matter a lot. We hope this is a step in the right direction.

### The Honest Gap Close
> This expresses our vision. Achieving that vision is an ongoing challenge. We will continue to be open about any ways in which reality comes apart from intention.
