Pause Chore

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden of disclosing behavior. It only states 'Pause a running chore timer' without explaining what happens after pausing (e.g., resumability, state changes, side effects) or error conditions if the chore is not running. This is minimal behavioral disclosure.

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 sentence with no wasted words. It is front-loaded and immediately conveys the core function.

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 the simplicity of the tool (one required parameter, no nested objects), the description provides enough to understand the basic operation. However, it lacks details about post-pause behavior, resumption options, or error handling, which could be important for effective use. The presence of an output schema may mitigate some of this, but the description alone is only minimally adequate.

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?

The schema already fully describes the single parameter chore_id with 100% coverage. The description does not add any additional meaning or constraints beyond the schema, so the baseline of 3 applies.

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 the action ('Pause') and the target resource ('a running chore timer'). It effectively distinguishes this from sibling tools like start_chore, complete_chore, and skip_chore by specifying the timer-running state.

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 the tool should be used when a chore timer is actively running, providing clear context. However, it does not explicitly mention alternatives or when not to use it, though the sibling names and the phrase 'running chore timer' imply the appropriate conditions.

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