diff --git a/docs/reference/basic/forever.md b/docs/reference/basic/forever.md
index 9b4a0a24..c666badc 100644
--- a/docs/reference/basic/forever.md
+++ b/docs/reference/basic/forever.md
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 # Forever
 
-Repeat code [in the background](/reference/control/in-background) forever.
+Keep running part of a program 
+[in the background](/reference/control/in-background).
 
 ```sig
 basic.forever(() => {
@@ -9,7 +10,9 @@ basic.forever(() => {
 
 ### Example: compass
 
-The following example constantly checks the [compass heading](/reference/input/compass-heading) and updates the screen with the direction.
+The following example constantly checks the 
+[compass heading](/reference/input/compass-heading) 
+and updates the screen with the direction.
 
 ```blocks
 basic.forever(() => {
@@ -30,7 +33,9 @@ basic.forever(() => {
 
 ### Example: counter
 
-The following example continually shows the current value of a global variable:
+The following example keeps showing the [number](/reference/types/number) stored in a global variable.
+When you press button `A`, the number gets bigger.
+You can use a program like this to count things with your BBC micro:bit.
 
 ```blocks
 let num = 0
@@ -42,9 +47,12 @@ input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => {
 })
 ```
 
-### Contention for the LED display
+### Competing for the LED screen
 
-If you have multiple processes that each show something on the LED screen, you may get unexpected results. Try, for example:
+If different parts of a program are each trying 
+to show something on the LED screen at the same time, 
+you may get unexpected results.
+Try this on your micro:bit:
 
 ```blocks
 basic.forever(() => {
diff --git a/docs/reference/basic/pause.md b/docs/reference/basic/pause.md
index 776be176..a6bb0d10 100644
--- a/docs/reference/basic/pause.md
+++ b/docs/reference/basic/pause.md
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 # Pause
 
-Pause program execution for the specified number of milliseconds. This function is helpful when you need to slow down your program's execution.
+Pause the program for the number of milliseconds you say. 
+You can use this function to slow your program down.
 
 ```sig
 basic.pause(400)
@@ -8,11 +9,13 @@ basic.pause(400)
 
 ### Parameters
 
-* ``ms`` - the number of milliseconds that you want to pause (100 = 1/10 second, 1000 milliseconds = 1 second)
+* ``ms`` is the number of milliseconds that you want to pause (100 milliseconds = 1/10 second, and 1000 milliseconds = 1 second).
 
 ### Example: diagonal line
 
-The following example code turns on LED `0, 0` thru `4, 4`, pausing 500 milliseconds after each LED. Without `pause`, the code would run so fast that you wouldn't see each individual LED turning on.
+This example draws a diagonal line by turning on LED `0, 0` (top left) through LED `4, 4` (bottom right). 
+The program pauses 500 milliseconds after turning on each LED. 
+Without `pause`, the program would run so fast that you would not have time to see each LED turning on.
 
 ```blocks
 for (let i = 0; i < 5; i++) {