summarize

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It adds 'inclusive date range' and grouping 'by category,' but fails to explain what the summary contains (sums, counts, etc.), how the optional category parameter behaves (filter vs. group), the return format, or handling of empty results. These are substantial gaps for a tool with no structured safety metadata.

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?

The description is a single, efficient sentence with the verb front-loaded. Every word earns its place, and there is no redundant or extraneous information. It is concise without being short enough to lose clarity on the core purpose.

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?

Given three parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is incomplete. It does not specify what 'summarize' outputs (e.g., per-category totals, counts), whether the category parameter filters or groups, or how to interpret the date range. Without these details, an agent cannot reliably predict the tool's behavior or invoke it correctly in varied scenarios.

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?

With schema description coverage at 0%, the description must compensate. It mentions 'date range' and 'category,' but does not explain date formats, whether category is optional or filters/grouping behavior, or provide any parameter-specific details beyond what the raw schema shows. The description adds minimal semantic value over the schema.

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 clearly states 'Summarize expenses by category within an inclusive date range.' It uses a specific verb ('summarize'), resource ('expenses'), and distinguishes from siblings by indicating aggregation rather than adding or listing individual expenses.

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?

The description implies usage for aggregate views of expenses by category and date, but does not explicitly state when to prefer this over list_expenses or exclude cases. There is no mention of alternatives or when-not-to-use scenarios, leaving usage context only implied.

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