Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the burden. It discloses the return scope (which fields are included and which are not) and routes the agent to the detail tool for bodies, but it does not explicitly state that the operation is read-only or mention any authentication, rate-limit, or pagination behavior. For a straightforward read-only news listing, that is a minor gap.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Three short, front-loaded sentences with no filler. The return fields come first, the excluded content and alternative tool second, and the date constraint last.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple read-only list tool with a fully documented input schema and no output schema, the description gives the agent everything needed: what is returned, what is excluded, which sibling to use for bodies, and the date-pairing constraint.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so all five parameters are already documented in the schema. The description only reinforces the date-pairing rule and mentions the returned news_id for the sibling tool; it adds no new parameter semantics beyond what the schema already provides.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific verb+resource ('Get company news') and enumerates the exact fields returned (IDs, titles, summaries, publication times, has_body). It explicitly distinguishes itself from the sibling get_news_detail by noting that article bodies are not included.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It explicitly names the alternative tool and the condition that selects it: 'Article bodies are not included; use get_news_detail with a returned news_id.' It also states a non-obvious usage constraint ('Supply both dates or neither'), which prevents incorrect date filtering.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.