cancel_event

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

With no annotations, the description must carry the behavioral disclosure burden. It does reveal an important side effect—sending a cancellation notice to attendees—which goes beyond the tool name. However, it does not say whether the event is deleted or only marked canceled, whether the action is reversible, or what authorization is required.

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, front-loaded sentence with no filler. It communicates the primary action and the key side effect efficiently.

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 mutating calendar tool with no annotations helper and no output schema, the description is too thin. It omits parameter semantics, behavioral implications, and guidance about how this differs from delete_event. The agent cannot fully judge side effects or preconditions from the provided context.

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 0%, so the description should compensate by explaining the parameters. It only implies that event_id identifies the event to cancel; it gives no meaning for the optional 'comment' or 'mailbox' parameters. This is a substantial gap for an agent trying to use the tool correctly.

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 clear action ('Cancel an event') and a notable outcome ('send a cancellation notice to attendees'), so an agent can tell what the tool does. It does not explicitly distinguish this from sibling delete_event, which is likely the closest alternative, so it falls short of a 5.

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 gives no guidance on when to use cancel_event instead of delete_event, update_event, or respond_to_event. There are no stated prerequisites such as organizer permissions, calendar access, or whether the event is a single instance or a recurring series.

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