# Manage writing rules

> Writing Rules are the style rules Erlin follows when it writes, learned from your edits or added by you.

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**Writing rules** describe specific requirements Erlin should use when writing for your brand. A useful rule is clear enough for a reviewer to decide whether a sentence follows it.

Use [Tone & Voice](https://www.erlin.ai/docs/brand/tone-and-voice) for the broad style and [Compliance](https://www.erlin.ai/docs/brand/compliance) for requirements about prohibited or required claims.

## Review your rules

Open **Brand > Writing rules**. Use **Active**, **Dismissed**, **All** and **To review** to separate the rules Erlin follows from dismissed ones. A rule you add applies straight away. If Erlin learns a rule from your edits, it waits in **To review** until you approve or dismiss it.

Read a learned rule before approving it. A correction made for one article may not be appropriate for every future piece.

## Add a rule

Open **Add a writing rule**. Enter the **Rule**, choose **Type** and review **Applies to**, then select **Add rule**.

Write the desired behavior directly. For example, “Explain acronyms on first use” is clearer than “Avoid confusing language.” Keep separate requirements in separate rules when they can apply independently.

## Refine wording and scope

Open a rule to edit **Wording** and **Applies to**, then **Save**. Use the **Type** and **Applies to** filters to review related rules together.

Look for contradictions. “Keep every answer brief” can conflict with a requirement to explain a complex limitation. Clarify when each instruction applies.

<Frame caption="A rule can apply to everything or one format">
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## Check the next draft

Review the next relevant piece in the [editor](https://www.erlin.ai/docs/content/editor-and-publishing). Confirm that the rule improves clarity without changing factual meaning.

When a rule no longer fits, dismiss it (and use it again later from its menu if needed), or delete a rule you added, instead of adding a contradictory rule. Keep the rule set understandable to the people reviewing Erlin's work.