list_approvals

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

Discloses the limit of 50 and valid status values, but no annotations exist. Does not mention ordering, pagination, or whether it is read-only. The description partially informs behavior but leaves gaps.

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?

Two short, direct sentences. Front-loaded with action and key constraint. No wasted words.

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?

Adequate for a simple list tool but lacks description of output fields and pagination beyond the limit. No output schema exists, so the description should cover return value details.

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 coverage is 100% with clear enum and default. Description only restates the schema values, adding no new meaning 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?

Clearly states the action (List) and resource (approval requests) with a constraint (latest 50) and filter options. Distinguishes from siblings like create_approval or get_approval.

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?

Implies use for listing approvals with status filter, but lacks explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus other list tools (e.g., list_proposals) or conditions for using non-default status filters.

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