diff --git a/.pre-commit-config.yaml b/.pre-commit-config.yaml
index ce2f804..284a89c 100644
--- a/.pre-commit-config.yaml
+++ b/.pre-commit-config.yaml
@@ -37,6 +37,13 @@ repos:
                 .*\.html
             )$
 
+ # Format docstrings
+  - repo: https://github.com/DanielNoord/pydocstringformatter
+    rev: v0.7.3
+    hooks:
+      - id: pydocstringformatter
+        args: ["--style=numpydoc"]
+
   # Ruff, the Python auto-correcting linter/formatter written in Rust
   - repo: https://github.com/astral-sh/ruff-pre-commit
     rev: v0.4.7
diff --git a/acro/acro.py b/acro/acro.py
index 8750a11..8bc9e3f 100644
--- a/acro/acro.py
+++ b/acro/acro.py
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ class ACRO(Tables, Regression):
     """
 
     def __init__(self, config: str = "default", suppress: bool = False) -> None:
-        """Constructs a new ACRO object and reads parameters from config.
+        """Construct a new ACRO object and reads parameters from config.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ def __init__(self, config: str = "default", suppress: bool = False) -> None:
         acro_tables.SURVIVAL_THRESHOLD = self.config["survival_safe_threshold"]
 
     def finalise(self, path: str = "outputs", ext="json") -> Records | None:
-        """Creates a results file for checking.
+        """Create a results file for checking.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ def finalise(self, path: str = "outputs", ext="json") -> Records | None:
         return self.results
 
     def remove_output(self, key: str) -> None:
-        """Removes an output from the results.
+        """Remove an output from the results.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ def remove_output(self, key: str) -> None:
         self.results.remove(key)
 
     def print_outputs(self) -> str:
-        """Prints the current results dictionary.
+        """Print the current results dictionary.
 
         Returns
         -------
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ def print_outputs(self) -> str:
         return self.results.print()
 
     def custom_output(self, filename: str, comment: str = "") -> None:
-        """Adds an unsupported output to the results dictionary.
+        """Add an unsupported output to the results dictionary.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ def rename_output(self, old: str, new: str) -> None:
         self.results.rename(old, new)
 
     def add_comments(self, output: str, comment: str) -> None:
-        """Adds a comment to an output.
+        """Add a comment to an output.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ def add_comments(self, output: str, comment: str) -> None:
         self.results.add_comments(output, comment)
 
     def add_exception(self, output: str, reason: str) -> None:
-        """Adds an exception request to an output.
+        """Add an exception request to an output.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -183,7 +183,7 @@ def add_exception(self, output: str, reason: str) -> None:
 
 
 def add_to_acro(src_path: str, dest_path: str = "sdc_results") -> None:
-    """Adds outputs to an acro object and creates a results file for checking.
+    """Add outputs to an acro object and creates a results file for checking.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
diff --git a/acro/acro_regression.py b/acro/acro_regression.py
index db350f9..3abfec0 100644
--- a/acro/acro_regression.py
+++ b/acro/acro_regression.py
@@ -402,7 +402,7 @@ def __check_model_dof(self, name: str, model) -> tuple[str, str, float]:
 
 
 def get_summary_dataframes(results: list[SimpleTable]) -> list[DataFrame]:
-    """Converts a list of SimpleTable objects to a list of DataFrame objects.
+    """Convert a list of SimpleTable objects to a list of DataFrame objects.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
diff --git a/acro/acro_stata_parser.py b/acro/acro_stata_parser.py
index d263413..4712267 100644
--- a/acro/acro_stata_parser.py
+++ b/acro/acro_stata_parser.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 """
-File with commands to manage the stata-acro interface
+File with commands to manage the stata-acro interface.
+
 Jim Smith 2023 @james.smith@uwe.ac.uk
 MIT licenses apply.
 """
@@ -14,10 +15,7 @@
 
 
 def apply_stata_ifstmt(raw: str, all_data: pd.DataFrame) -> pd.DataFrame:
-    """
-    Parses an if statement from stata format
-    then uses it to subset a dataframe by contents.
-    """
+    """Parse an if statement from stata format then use it to subset a dataframe by contents."""
     if len(raw) == 0:
         return all_data
 
@@ -36,8 +34,9 @@ def apply_stata_ifstmt(raw: str, all_data: pd.DataFrame) -> pd.DataFrame:
 
 def parse_location_token(token: str, last: int) -> int:
     """
-    Parses index position tokens from stata syntax
-    stata allows f and F for first item  and l/L for last.
+    Parse index position tokens from stata syntax.
+
+    Stata allows f and F for first item  and l/L for last.
     """
     lookup: dict = {"f": 0, "F": 0, "l": last, "L": last}
     if token in ["f", "F", "l", "L"]:
@@ -54,10 +53,7 @@ def parse_location_token(token: str, last: int) -> int:
 
 
 def apply_stata_expstmt(raw: str, all_data: pd.DataFrame) -> pd.DataFrame:
-    """
-    Parses an in exp statement from stata and uses it
-    to subset a dataframe by set of row indices.
-    """
+    """Parse an in exp statement from stata and use it to subset a dataframe by row indices."""
     last = len(all_data) - 1
     if "/" not in raw:
         pos = parse_location_token(raw, last)
@@ -86,11 +82,9 @@ def apply_stata_expstmt(raw: str, all_data: pd.DataFrame) -> pd.DataFrame:
 
 
 def find_brace_word(word: str, raw: str):
-    """
-    Given a word followed by a (
-    finds and returns as a list of strings
-    the rest of the contents up to the closing ).
-    first returned value is True/False depending on parsing ok.
+    """Return contents as a list of strings between '(' following a word and the closing ')'.
+
+    First returned value is True/False depending on parsing ok.
     """
     result = []
     idx = raw.find(word)
@@ -113,7 +107,7 @@ def find_brace_word(word: str, raw: str):
 
 
 def extract_aggfun_values_from_options(details, contents_found, content, varnames):
-    """Extracts the aggfunc and the values from the content."""
+    """Extract the aggfunc and the values from the content."""
     # contents can be variable names or aggregation functions
     details["aggfuncs"], details["values"] = list([]), list([])
     if contents_found and len(content) > 0:
@@ -132,7 +126,8 @@ def extract_aggfun_values_from_options(details, contents_found, content, varname
 def parse_table_details(
     varlist: list, varnames: list, options: str, stata_version: str
 ) -> dict:
-    """Function to parse stata-16 style table calls
+    """Parse stata-16 style table calls.
+
     Note this is not for latest version of stata, syntax here:
     https://www.stata.com/manuals16/rtable.pdf
     >> table rowvar [colvar [supercolvar] [if] [in] [weight] [, options].
@@ -202,8 +197,9 @@ def parse_and_run(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments,too-many-locals
     stata_version: str,
 ) -> pd.DataFrame:
     """
+    Run the appropriate command on a pre-existing ACRO object stata_acro.
+
     Takes a dataframe and the parsed stata command line.
-    Runs the appropriate command on a pre-existing ACRO object stata_acro
     Returns the result as a formatted string.
     """
     # sanity checking
@@ -248,7 +244,7 @@ def parse_and_run(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments,too-many-locals
 
 
 def run_session_command(command: str, varlist: list) -> str:
-    """Runs session commands that are data-independent."""
+    """Run session commands that are data-independent."""
     outcome = ""
 
     if command == "init":
@@ -285,8 +281,9 @@ def run_session_command(command: str, varlist: list) -> str:
 
 
 def run_output_command(command: str, varlist: list) -> str:
-    """Runs outcome-level commands
-    first element of varlist is output affected
+    """Run outcome-level commands.
+
+    First element of varlist is output affected
     rest (if relevant) is string passed to command.
     """
     outcome = ""
@@ -324,9 +321,7 @@ def run_output_command(command: str, varlist: list) -> str:
 
 
 def extract_var_within_parentheses(input_string):
-    """Given a string, this function extracts the words within the first parentheses
-    from a string.
-    """
+    """Extract the words within the first parentheses from a string."""
     string = ""
     string_match = re.match(r"\((.*?)\)", input_string)
     if string_match:
@@ -336,7 +331,7 @@ def extract_var_within_parentheses(input_string):
 
 
 def extract_var_before_parentheses(input_string):
-    """Given a string, this function extracts the words before the first parentheses."""
+    """Extract the words before the first parentheses."""
     string = ""
     string_match = re.match(r"^(.*?)\(", input_string)
     if string_match:
@@ -346,7 +341,8 @@ def extract_var_before_parentheses(input_string):
 
 
 def extract_table_var(input_string):
-    """Given a string, this function extracts the words within the parentheses.
+    """Extract the words within the parentheses.
+
     If there are no parentheses the string is returned.
     """
     string = ""
@@ -359,9 +355,9 @@ def extract_table_var(input_string):
 
 
 def extract_colstring_tablestring(input_string):
-    """Given a string, this function extracts the column and the tables
-    variables as a string. It goes through different options eg. whether
-    the column string is between paranthese or not.
+    """Extract the column and the tables variables as a string.
+
+    It goes through different options eg. whether the column string is between paranthese or not.
     """
     colstring = ""
     tablestring = ""
@@ -382,9 +378,9 @@ def extract_colstring_tablestring(input_string):
 
 
 def extract_strings(input_string):
-    """Given a string, this function extracts the index, column and the tables
-    variables as a string. It goes through different options eg. whether
-    the index string is between paranthese or not.
+    """Extract the index, column and the tables variables as a string.
+
+    It goes through different options eg. whether the index string is between paranthese or not.
     """
     rowstring = ""
     colstring = ""
@@ -412,11 +408,11 @@ def extract_strings(input_string):
 
 
 def creates_datasets(data, details):
-    """This function returns the full dataset if the tables parameter is empty.
+    """Return the full dataset if the tables parameter is empty.
+
     Otherwise, it divides the dataset to small dataset each one is the dataset when
     the tables parameter is equal to one of it is unique values.
     """
-
     set_of_data = {"Total": data}
     msg = ""
     # if tables var parameter was assigned, each table will
@@ -449,10 +445,7 @@ def run_table_command(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments,too-many-locals
     options: str,
     stata_version: str,
 ) -> str:
-    """
-    Converts a stata table command into an acro.crosstab
-    then returns a prettified versaion of the cross_tab dataframe.
-    """
+    """Convert a stata table command into an acro.crosstab and return a prettified dataframe."""
     weights_empty = len(weights) == 0
     if not weights_empty:  # pragma
         return f"weights not currently implemented for _{weights}_\n"
@@ -534,7 +527,7 @@ def run_table_command(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments,too-many-locals
 
 
 def run_regression(command: str, data: pd.DataFrame, varlist: list) -> str:
-    """Interprets and runs appropriate regression command."""
+    """Interpret and run appropriate regression command."""
     # get components of formula
     depvar = varlist[0]
     indep_vars = varlist[1:]
@@ -562,7 +555,7 @@ def run_regression(command: str, data: pd.DataFrame, varlist: list) -> str:
 
 
 def get_regr_results(results: sm_iolib_summary.Summary, title: str) -> str:
-    """Translates statsmodels.io.summary object into prettified table."""
+    """Translate statsmodels.io.summary object into prettified table."""
     res_str = title + "\n"
     for table in acro_regression.get_summary_dataframes(results.summary().tables):
         res_str += prettify_table_string(table, separator=",") + "\n"
diff --git a/acro/acro_tables.py b/acro/acro_tables.py
index 9c67072..37204e4 100644
--- a/acro/acro_tables.py
+++ b/acro/acro_tables.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ def mode_aggfunc(values) -> Series:
     Returns
     -------
     Series
-        The mode. If there are multiple modes, randomly selects and returns one of the modes.
+        The mode. If multiple modes, randomly selects and returns one of the modes.
     """
     modes = values.mode()
     return secrets.choice(modes)
@@ -86,8 +86,9 @@ def crosstab(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments,too-many-locals
         normalize=False,
         show_suppressed=False,
     ) -> DataFrame:
-        """Compute a simple cross tabulation of two (or more) factors.  By
-        default, computes a frequency table of the factors unless an array of
+        """Compute a simple cross tabulation of two (or more) factors.
+
+        By default, computes a frequency table of the factors unless an array of
         values and an aggregation function are passed.
 
         To provide consistent behaviour with different aggregation functions,
@@ -411,7 +412,7 @@ def surv_func(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments,too-many-locals
         bw_factor=1.0,
         filename="kaplan-meier.png",
     ) -> DataFrame:
-        """Estimates the survival function.
+        """Estimate the survival function.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -490,7 +491,7 @@ def surv_func(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments,too-many-locals
     def survival_table(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments,too-many-locals
         self, survival_table, safe_table, status, sdc, command, summary, outcome
     ):
-        """Creates the survival table according to the status of suppressing."""
+        """Create the survival table according to the status of suppressing."""
         if self.suppress:
             survival_table = safe_table
         self.results.add(
@@ -508,7 +509,7 @@ def survival_table(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments,too-many-locals
     def survival_plot(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments,too-many-locals
         self, survival_table, survival_func, filename, status, sdc, command, summary
     ):
-        """Creates the survival plot according to the status of suppressing."""
+        """Create the survival plot according to the status of suppressing."""
         if self.suppress:
             survival_table = rounded_survival_table(survival_table)
             plot = survival_table.plot(y="rounded_survival_fun", xlim=0, ylim=0)
@@ -570,7 +571,8 @@ def hist(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments,too-many-locals
         filename="histogram.png",
         **kwargs,
     ):
-        """Creates a histogram from a single column.
+        """Create a histogram from a single column.
+
         The dataset and the column's name should be passed to the function as parameters.
         If more than one column is used the histogram will not be calculated.
 
@@ -755,7 +757,7 @@ def create_crosstab_masks(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments,too-many-locals
     dropna,
     normalize,
 ):
-    """Creates masks to specify the cells to suppress."""
+    """Create masks to specify the cells to suppress."""
     # suppression masks to apply based on the following checks
     masks: dict[str, DataFrame] = {}
 
@@ -863,7 +865,7 @@ def create_crosstab_masks(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments,too-many-locals
 
 
 def delete_empty_rows_columns(table: DataFrame) -> tuple[DataFrame, list[str]]:
-    """Deletes empty rows and columns from table.
+    """Delete empty rows and columns from table.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -902,7 +904,7 @@ def delete_empty_rows_columns(table: DataFrame) -> tuple[DataFrame, list[str]]:
 
 
 def rounded_survival_table(survival_table):
-    """Calculates the rounded surival function."""
+    """Calculate the rounded surival function."""
     death_censored = (
         survival_table["num at risk"].shift(periods=1) - survival_table["num at risk"]
     )
@@ -946,8 +948,7 @@ def rounded_survival_table(survival_table):
 
 
 def get_aggfunc(aggfunc: str | None) -> str | Callable | None:
-    """Checks whether an aggregation function is allowed and returns the
-    appropriate function.
+    """Check whether an aggregation function is allowed and return the appropriate function.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -978,8 +979,7 @@ def get_aggfunc(aggfunc: str | None) -> str | Callable | None:
 def get_aggfuncs(
     aggfuncs: str | list[str] | None,
 ) -> str | Callable | list[str | Callable] | None:
-    """Checks whether a list of aggregation functions is allowed and returns
-    the appropriate functions.
+    """Check whether aggregation functions are allowed and return appropriate functions.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -1013,7 +1013,7 @@ def get_aggfuncs(
 
 
 def agg_negative(vals: Series) -> bool:
-    """Aggregation function that returns whether any values are negative.
+    """Return whether any values are negative.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -1029,7 +1029,7 @@ def agg_negative(vals: Series) -> bool:
 
 
 def agg_missing(vals: Series) -> bool:
-    """Aggregation function that returns whether any values are missing.
+    """Return whether any values are missing.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -1045,7 +1045,7 @@ def agg_missing(vals: Series) -> bool:
 
 
 def agg_p_percent(vals: Series) -> bool:
-    """Aggregation function that returns whether the p percent rule is violated.
+    """Return whether the p percent rule is violated.
 
     That is, the uncertainty (as a fraction) of the estimate that the second
     highest respondent can make of the highest value. Assuming there are n
@@ -1075,8 +1075,7 @@ def agg_p_percent(vals: Series) -> bool:
 
 
 def agg_nk(vals: Series) -> bool:
-    """Aggregation function that returns whether the top n items account for
-    more than k percent of the total.
+    """Return whether the top n items account for more than k percent of the total.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -1097,8 +1096,7 @@ def agg_nk(vals: Series) -> bool:
 
 
 def agg_threshold(vals: Series) -> bool:
-    """Aggregation function that returns whether the number of contributors is
-    below a threshold.
+    """Return whether the number of contributors is below a threshold.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -1114,8 +1112,7 @@ def agg_threshold(vals: Series) -> bool:
 
 
 def agg_values_are_same(vals: Series) -> bool:
-    """Aggregation function that returns whether all observations having
-    the same value.
+    """Return whether all observations having the same value.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -1134,7 +1131,7 @@ def agg_values_are_same(vals: Series) -> bool:
 def apply_suppression(
     table: DataFrame, masks: dict[str, DataFrame]
 ) -> tuple[DataFrame, DataFrame]:
-    """Applies suppression to a table.
+    """Apply suppression to a table.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -1186,7 +1183,7 @@ def apply_suppression(
 
 
 def get_table_sdc(masks: dict[str, DataFrame], suppress: bool) -> dict:
-    """Returns the SDC dictionary using the suppression masks.
+    """Return the SDC dictionary using the suppression masks.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -1221,7 +1218,7 @@ def get_table_sdc(masks: dict[str, DataFrame], suppress: bool) -> dict:
 
 
 def get_summary(sdc: dict) -> tuple[str, str]:
-    """Returns the status and summary of the suppression masks.
+    """Return the status and summary of the suppression masks.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -1270,7 +1267,7 @@ def get_summary(sdc: dict) -> tuple[str, str]:
 
 
 def get_queries(masks, aggfunc) -> list[str]:
-    """Returns a list of the boolean conditions for each true cell in the suppression masks.
+    """Return a list of the boolean conditions for each true cell in the suppression masks.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -1348,7 +1345,7 @@ def get_queries(masks, aggfunc) -> list[str]:
 
 
 def create_dataframe(index, columns) -> DataFrame:
-    """Combining the index and columns in a dataframe and return the datframe.
+    """Combine the index and columns in a dataframe and return the dataframe.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
diff --git a/acro/record.py b/acro/record.py
index c39a54b..b6732e2 100644
--- a/acro/record.py
+++ b/acro/record.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 
 
 def load_outcome(outcome: dict) -> DataFrame:
-    """Returns a DataFrame from an outcome dictionary.
+    """Return a DataFrame from an outcome dictionary.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ def load_outcome(outcome: dict) -> DataFrame:
 
 
 def load_output(path: str, output: list[str]) -> list[str] | list[DataFrame]:
-    """Returns a loaded output.
+    """Return a loaded output.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ def __init__(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments
         output: list[str] | list[DataFrame],
         comments: list[str] | None = None,
     ) -> None:
-        """Constructs a new output record.
+        """Construct a new output record.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ def __init__(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments
         self.timestamp: str = now.isoformat()
 
     def serialize_output(self, path: str = "outputs") -> list[str]:
-        """Serializes outputs.
+        """Serialize outputs.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -183,7 +183,7 @@ def serialize_output(self, path: str = "outputs") -> list[str]:
         return output
 
     def __str__(self) -> str:
-        """Returns a string representation of a record.
+        """Return a string representation of a record.
 
         Returns
         -------
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ class Records:
     """Stores data related to a collection of output records."""
 
     def __init__(self) -> None:
-        """Constructs a new object for storing multiple records."""
+        """Construct a new object for storing multiple records."""
         self.results: dict[str, Record] = {}
         self.output_id: int = 0
 
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ def add(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments
         output: list[str] | list[DataFrame],
         comments: list[str] | None = None,
     ) -> None:
-        """Adds an output to the results.
+        """Add an output to the results.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@ def add(  # pylint: disable=too-many-arguments
         logger.info("add(): %s", new.uid)
 
     def remove(self, key: str) -> None:
-        """Removes an output from the results.
+        """Remove an output from the results.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -279,7 +279,7 @@ def remove(self, key: str) -> None:
         logger.info("remove(): %s removed", key)
 
     def get(self, key: str) -> Record:
-        """Returns a specified output from the results.
+        """Return a specified output from the results.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -295,7 +295,7 @@ def get(self, key: str) -> Record:
         return self.results[key]
 
     def get_keys(self) -> list[str]:
-        """Returns the list of available output keys.
+        """Return the list of available output keys.
 
         Returns
         -------
@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@ def get_keys(self) -> list[str]:
         return list(self.results.keys())
 
     def get_index(self, index: int) -> Record:
-        """Returns the output at the specified position.
+        """Return the output at the specified position.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -323,7 +323,7 @@ def get_index(self, index: int) -> Record:
         return self.results[key]
 
     def add_custom(self, filename: str, comment: str | None = None) -> None:
-        """Adds an unsupported output to the results dictionary.
+        """Add an unsupported output to the results dictionary.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -373,7 +373,7 @@ def rename(self, old: str, new: str) -> None:
         logger.info("rename_output(): %s renamed to %s", old, new)
 
     def add_comments(self, output: str, comment: str) -> None:
-        """Adds a comment to an output.
+        """Add a comment to an output.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -388,7 +388,7 @@ def add_comments(self, output: str, comment: str) -> None:
         logger.info("a comment was added to %s", output)
 
     def add_exception(self, output: str, reason: str) -> None:
-        """Adds an exception request to an output.
+        """Add an exception request to an output.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -403,7 +403,7 @@ def add_exception(self, output: str, reason: str) -> None:
         logger.info("exception request was added to %s", output)
 
     def print(self) -> str:
-        """Prints the current results.
+        """Print the current results.
 
         Returns
         -------
@@ -418,7 +418,7 @@ def print(self) -> str:
         return outputs
 
     def validate_outputs(self) -> None:
-        """Prompts researcher to complete any required fields."""
+        """Prompt researcher to complete any required fields."""
         for _, record in self.results.items():
             if record.status != "pass" and record.exception == "":
                 logger.info(
@@ -431,7 +431,7 @@ def validate_outputs(self) -> None:
                 record.exception = input("")
 
     def finalise(self, path: str, ext: str) -> None:
-        """Creates a results file for checking.
+        """Create a results file for checking.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -455,7 +455,7 @@ def finalise(self, path: str, ext: str) -> None:
         logger.info("outputs written to: %s", path)
 
     def finalise_json(self, path: str) -> None:
-        """Writes outputs to a JSON file.
+        """Write outputs to a JSON file.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -494,7 +494,7 @@ def finalise_json(self, path: str) -> None:
             )
 
     def finalise_excel(self, path: str) -> None:
-        """Writes outputs to an excel spreadsheet.
+        """Write outputs to an excel spreadsheet.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -543,7 +543,7 @@ def finalise_excel(self, path: str) -> None:
                     table.to_excel(writer, sheet_name=output_id, startrow=start)
 
     def write_checksums(self, path: str) -> None:
-        """Writes checksums for each file to checksums folder.
+        """Write checksums for each file to checksums folder.
 
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -569,7 +569,7 @@ def write_checksums(self, path: str) -> None:
 
 
 def load_records(path: str) -> Records:
-    """Loads outputs from a JSON file.
+    """Load outputs from a JSON file.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
diff --git a/acro/stata_config.py b/acro/stata_config.py
index 468307d..479b2b1 100644
--- a/acro/stata_config.py
+++ b/acro/stata_config.py
@@ -1,7 +1,9 @@
 """
-Config file to hold global variable for acro object
-accessible from acro files and stata
-mutable hence use of lower case naming
+Stata config file.
+
+Holds global variable for acro object accessible from acro files and stata
+mutable hence use of lower case naming.
+
 Jim Smith 2023.
 """
 
diff --git a/acro/utils.py b/acro/utils.py
index 47b916c..d576eaa 100644
--- a/acro/utils.py
+++ b/acro/utils.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 
 
 def get_command(default: str, stack_list: list[FrameInfo]) -> str:
-    """Returns the calling source line as a string.
+    """Return the calling source line as a string.
 
     Parameters
     ----------
@@ -38,10 +38,9 @@ def get_command(default: str, stack_list: list[FrameInfo]) -> str:
 
 def prettify_table_string(table: pd.DataFrame, separator: str | None = None) -> str:
     """
-    Adds delimiters to table.to_string()
-    to improve readability for onscreen display.
-    Splits fields on whitespace unless an optional separator is provided
-    e.g. ',' for csv.
+    Add delimiters to table.to_string() to improve readability for onscreen display.
+
+    Splits fields on whitespace unless an optional separator is provided e.g. ',' for csv.
     """
     hdelim = "-"
     vdelim = "|"
diff --git a/docs/source/conf.py b/docs/source/conf.py
index 2deb6f9..77bb166 100644
--- a/docs/source/conf.py
+++ b/docs/source/conf.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
-# Configuration file for the Sphinx documentation builder.
-#
+"""Configuration file for the Sphinx documentation builder."""
+
 # -- Path setup --------------------------------------------------------------
 
 import os
diff --git a/notebooks/acro_demo.py b/notebooks/acro_demo.py
index 72e28d5..0c8630f 100644
--- a/notebooks/acro_demo.py
+++ b/notebooks/acro_demo.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 """
-ACRO Tests
+ACRO Tests.
+
 Copyright : Maha Albashir, Richard Preen, Jim Smith 2023.
 """
 
diff --git a/notebooks/test-nursery.py b/notebooks/test-nursery.py
index bc29402..2bb18fd 100644
--- a/notebooks/test-nursery.py
+++ b/notebooks/test-nursery.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 """
-ACRO Tests
+ACRO Tests.
+
 Copyright : Maha Albashir, Richard Preen, Jim Smith 2023.
 """
 
diff --git a/pyproject.toml b/pyproject.toml
index 5443420..67e659c 100644
--- a/pyproject.toml
+++ b/pyproject.toml
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ lint.select = [
   "B",   # flake8-bugbear
 #  "C4",  # flake8-comprehensions
   "C90", # mccabe
-#  "D",   # pydocstyle
+  "D",   # pydocstyle
 #  "DTZ", # flake8-datetimez
 #  "E",   # pycodestyle
 #  "ERA", # eradicate
@@ -42,8 +42,6 @@ exclude = [
 
 lint.ignore = [
 #  "ANN101", # missing-type-self
-#  "D203",   # blank line required before class docstring
-#  "D213",   # multi-line-summary-second-line
 #  "S301",   # unsafe pickle
 ]
 
diff --git a/test/test_initial.py b/test/test_initial.py
index 058d378..28df518 100644
--- a/test/test_initial.py
+++ b/test/test_initial.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""This module contains unit tests."""
+"""Unit tests."""
 
 import json
 import os
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 from acro import ACRO, acro_tables, add_constant, add_to_acro, record, utils
 from acro.record import Records, load_records
 
-# pylint: disable=redefined-outer-name
+# pylint: disable=redefined-outer-name,too-many-lines
 
 PATH: str = "RES_PYTEST"
 
@@ -485,9 +485,7 @@ def test_adding_exception(acro):
 
 
 def test_add_to_acro(data, monkeypatch):
-    """Adding an output that was generated without using acro to an acro object and
-    creates a results file for checking.
-    """
+    """Add an output generated without acro to an acro object and create results file."""
     # create a cross tabulation using pandas
     table = pd.crosstab(data.year, data.grant_type)
     # save the output to a file and add this file to a directory
@@ -599,7 +597,6 @@ def test_hierachical_aggregation(data, acro):
 
 def test_single_values_column(data, acro):
     """Pandas does not allows multiple arrays for values."""
-
     with pytest.raises(ValueError):
         _ = acro.crosstab(
             data.year,
@@ -634,9 +631,7 @@ def test_surv_func(acro):
 
 
 def test_zeros_are_not_disclosive(data, acro):
-    """Test that zeros are handled as not disclosive when
-    the parameter (zeros_are_disclosive) is False.
-    """
+    """Test that zeros are handled as not disclosive when `zeros_are_disclosive=False`."""
     acro_tables.ZEROS_ARE_DISCLOSIVE = False
     _ = acro.pivot_table(
         data,
@@ -714,9 +709,7 @@ def test_crosstab_with_totals_with_suppression_with_mean(data, acro):
 
 
 def test_crosstab_with_totals_and_empty_data(data, acro, caplog):
-    """Test the crosstab with both margins and suppression are true
-    and with a dataset that all its data violate one or more rules.
-    """
+    """Test crosstab when both margins and suppression are true with a disclosive dataset."""
     data = data[
         (data.year == 2010)
         & (data.grant_type == "G")
@@ -736,9 +729,7 @@ def test_crosstab_with_totals_and_empty_data(data, acro, caplog):
 
 
 def test_crosstab_with_manual_totals_with_suppression(data, acro):
-    """Test the crosstab with both margins and
-    suppression are true while using the total manual function.
-    """
+    """Test crosstab when margins and suppression are true with the total manual function."""
     _ = acro.crosstab(data.year, data.grant_type, margins=True, show_suppressed=True)
     output = acro.results.get_index(0)
     assert 145 == output.output[0]["All"].iat[0]
@@ -751,8 +742,9 @@ def test_crosstab_with_manual_totals_with_suppression(data, acro):
 
 
 def test_crosstab_with_manual_totals_with_suppression_hierarchical(data, acro):
-    """Test the crosstab with both margins and suppression
-    are true with multilevel indexes and columns while using the total manual function.
+    """Test crosstab when margins and suppression are true with hierarchical data.
+
+    Tests with multilevel indexes and columns while using the total manual function.
     """
     _ = acro.crosstab(
         [data.year, data.survivor],
@@ -775,8 +767,10 @@ def test_crosstab_with_manual_totals_with_suppression_hierarchical(data, acro):
 
 
 def test_crosstab_with_manual_totals_with_suppression_with_aggfunc_mean(data, acro):
-    """Test the crosstab with both margins and suppression are true
-    and with aggfunc mean while using the total manual function.
+    """Test crosstab.
+
+    Tests the crosstab with both margins and suppression are true and with
+    aggfunc mean while using the total manual function.
     """
     _ = acro.crosstab(
         data.year,
@@ -794,8 +788,11 @@ def test_crosstab_with_manual_totals_with_suppression_with_aggfunc_mean(data, ac
 
 
 def test_hierarchical_crosstab_with_manual_totals_with_mean(data, acro):
-    """Test the crosstab with both margins and suppression are true, with
-    aggfunc mean and with multilevel columns and rows while using the total manual function.
+    """Test crosstab.
+
+    Test the crosstab with both margins and suppression are true, with aggfunc
+    mean and with multilevel columns and rows while using the total manual
+    function.
     """
     _ = acro.crosstab(
         [data.year, data.survivor],
@@ -815,7 +812,9 @@ def test_hierarchical_crosstab_with_manual_totals_with_mean(data, acro):
 def test_crosstab_with_manual_totals_with_suppression_with_aggfunc_std(
     data, acro, caplog
 ):
-    """Test the crosstab with both margins and suppression are true and with
+    """Test crosstab.
+
+    Test the crosstab with both margins and suppression are true and with
     aggfunc std while using the total manual function.
     """
     _ = acro.crosstab(
@@ -882,8 +881,10 @@ def test_crosstab_multiple_aggregate_function(data, acro):
 
 
 def test_crosstab_with_totals_with_suppression_with_two_aggfuncs(data, acro):
-    """Test the crosstab with both margins and suppression are true
-    and with a list of aggfuncs while using the total manual function.
+    """Test crosstab.
+
+    Test the crosstab with both margins and suppression are true and with a
+    list of aggfuncs while using the total manual function.
     """
     _ = acro.crosstab(
         data.year,
@@ -918,9 +919,11 @@ def test_crosstab_with_totals_with_suppression_with_two_aggfuncs(data, acro):
 def test_crosstab_with_totals_with_suppression_with_two_aggfuncs_hierarchical(
     data, acro
 ):
-    """Test the crosstab with both margins and suppression are true
-    and with a list of aggfuncs and a list of columns while using
-    the total manual function.
+    """Test crosstab.
+
+    Test the crosstab with both margins and suppression are true and with a
+    list of aggfuncs and a list of columns while using the total manual
+    function.
     """
     _ = acro.crosstab(
         data.year,
@@ -937,8 +940,10 @@ def test_crosstab_with_totals_with_suppression_with_two_aggfuncs_hierarchical(
 def test_crosstab_with_manual_totals_with_suppression_with_two_aggfunc(
     data, acro, caplog
 ):
-    """Test the crosstab with both margins and suppression are true
-    and with a list of aggfuncs while using the total manual function.
+    """Test crosstab.
+
+    Test the crosstab with both margins and suppression are true and with a
+    list of aggfuncs while using the total manual function.
     """
     _ = acro.crosstab(
         data.year,
@@ -985,7 +990,7 @@ def test_histogram_non_disclosive(data, acro):
 
 
 def test_finalise_with_existing_path(data, acro, caplog):
-    """Using a path that already exists when finalising."""
+    """Test using a path that already exists when finalising."""
     _ = acro.crosstab(data.year, data.grant_type)
     acro.add_exception("output_0", "Let me have it")
     acro.finalise(PATH)
diff --git a/test/test_stata17_interface.py b/test/test_stata17_interface.py
index 91b910c..729b196 100644
--- a/test/test_stata17_interface.py
+++ b/test/test_stata17_interface.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""This module contains unit tests for the stata 17 interface."""
+"""Unit tests for the stata 17 interface."""
 
 # The pylint skip file is to skip the error of R0801: Similar lines in 2 files. As the
 # file  this file and the file test_stata_interface.py have a lot of similarities.
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ def data() -> pd.DataFrame:
 
 
 def clean_up(name):
-    """Removes unwanted files or directory."""
+    """Remove unwanted files or directory."""
     if os.path.exists(name):
         if os.path.isfile(name):
             os.remove(name)
@@ -46,7 +46,8 @@ def dummy_acrohandler(
     data, command, varlist, exclusion, exp, weights, options, stata_version
 ):  # pylint:disable=too-many-arguments
     """
-    Provides an alternative interface that mimics the code in acro.ado
+    Provide an alternative interface that mimics the code in acro.ado.
+
     Most notably the presence of a global variable called stata_acro.
     """
     acro_outstr = parse_and_run(
@@ -58,11 +59,7 @@ def dummy_acrohandler(
 
 # --- Helper functions-----------------------------------------------------
 def test_find_brace_word():
-    """Tests helper function
-    that extracts contents 'A B C'
-    of something specified via X(A B C)
-    on the stata command line.
-    """
+    """Test helper function that extracts contents 'A B C' of something specified via X(A B C) on the stata command line."""
     options = "statistic(mean inc_activity) suppress nototals"
     res, substr = find_brace_word("statistic", options)
     assert res
@@ -78,11 +75,7 @@ def test_find_brace_word():
 
 
 def test_parse_table_details(data):
-    """
-    Series of checks that the varlist and options are parsed correctly
-    by the helper function.
-    """
-
+    """Check that the varlist and options are parsed correctly by the helper function."""
     varlist = ["survivor", "grant_type", "year"]
     varnames = data.columns
     options = "statistic(mean inc_activity) suppress  nototals"
@@ -121,7 +114,8 @@ def test_parse_table_details(data):
 
 def test_stata_acro_init():
     """
-    Tests creation of an acro object at the start of a session
+    Test creation of an acro object at the start of a session.
+
     For stata this gets held in a variable stata_acro
     Which is initialsied to the string "empty" in the acro.ado file
     Then should be pointed at a new acro instance.
@@ -145,7 +139,7 @@ def test_stata_acro_init():
 
 
 def test_stata_print_outputs(data):
-    """Checks print_outputs gets called."""
+    """Check print_outputs gets called."""
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
         command="print_outputs",
@@ -162,7 +156,8 @@ def test_stata_print_outputs(data):
 # ----main SDC functionality-------------------------------------
 def test_simple_table(data):
     """
-    Checks that the simple table command works as expected
+    Check that the simple table command works as expected.
+
     Does via reference to direct call to pd.crosstab()
     To make sure table specification is parsed correctly
     acro SDC analysis is tested elsewhere.
@@ -193,8 +188,9 @@ def test_simple_table(data):
 
 
 def test_stata_rename_outputs():
-    """Tests renaming outputs
-    assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests.
+    """Test renaming outputs.
+
+    Assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests.
     """
     the_str = "renamed_output"
     the_output = "output_0"
@@ -215,8 +211,9 @@ def test_stata_rename_outputs():
 
 
 def test_stata_incomplete_output_commands():
-    """Tests handling incomplete or wrong output commands
-    assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests.
+    """Test handling incomplete or wrong output commands.
+
+    Assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests.
     """
     # output to change not provided
     the_str = "renamed_output"
@@ -272,9 +269,9 @@ def test_stata_incomplete_output_commands():
 
 def test_stata_add_comments():
     """
-    Tests adding comments to  outputs
-    assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests
-    then renamed.
+    Test adding comments to outputs.
+
+    Assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests then renamed.
     """
     the_str = "some comments"
     the_output = "renamed_output"
@@ -296,9 +293,9 @@ def test_stata_add_comments():
 
 def test_stata_add_exception():
     """
-    Tests adding exception to  outputs
-    assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests
-    then renamed.
+    Test adding exception to  outputs.
+
+    Assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests then renamed.
     """
     the_str = "a reason"
     the_output = "renamed_output"
@@ -320,8 +317,9 @@ def test_stata_add_exception():
 
 def test_stata_remove_output():
     """
-    Tests removing  outputs
-    assumes simple table has been created and renamed by earlier tests.
+    Tests removing outputs.
+
+    Assumes simple table has been created and renamed by earlier tests.
     """
     the_output = "renamed_output"
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
@@ -344,7 +342,7 @@ def test_stata_remove_output():
 
 
 def test_stata_exclusion_in_context(data):
-    """Tests that the subsetting code gets called properly from table handler."""
+    """Test that the subsetting code gets called properly from table handler."""
     # if condition
     correct1 = (
         "Total\n"
@@ -422,7 +420,7 @@ def test_stata_exclusion_in_context(data):
 
 
 def test_table_weights(data):
-    """Weights are not currently supported."""
+    """Test that weights are not currently supported."""
     weights = [0, 0, 0]
     correct = f"weights not currently implemented for _{weights}_\n"
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
@@ -439,7 +437,7 @@ def test_table_weights(data):
 
 
 def test_table_aggcfn(data):
-    """Testing behaviour with aggregation function."""
+    """Test behaviour with aggregation function."""
     # ok
     correct = (
         "Total\n"
@@ -517,7 +515,7 @@ def test_table_aggcfn(data):
 
 
 def test_table_aggcfns(data):
-    """Testing behaviour with two aggregation functions."""
+    """Test behaviour with two aggregation functions."""
     correct = (
         "Total\n"
         "------------------------------------------|\n"
@@ -544,7 +542,7 @@ def test_table_aggcfns(data):
 
 
 def test_stata_probit(data):
-    """Checks probit gets called correctly."""
+    """Check probit gets called correctly."""
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
         command="probit",
@@ -570,7 +568,7 @@ def test_stata_probit(data):
 
 
 def test_stata_linregress(data):
-    """Checks linear regression called correctly."""
+    """Check linear regression called correctly."""
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
         command="regress",
@@ -591,7 +589,7 @@ def test_stata_linregress(data):
 
 
 def test_stata_logit(data):
-    """Tests stata logit function."""
+    """Test stata logit function."""
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
         command="logit",
@@ -618,7 +616,7 @@ def test_stata_logit(data):
 
 
 def test_unsupported_formatting_options(data):
-    """Checks that user gets warning if they try to format table."""
+    """Check that user gets warning if they try to format table."""
     format_string = "acro does not currently support table formatting commands."
     correct = (
         "Total\n"
@@ -661,7 +659,7 @@ def test_unsupported_formatting_options(data):
 
 
 def test_stata_finalise(monkeypatch):
-    """Checks finalise gets called correctly."""
+    """Check finalise gets called correctly."""
     monkeypatch.setattr("builtins.input", lambda _: "Let me have it")
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
@@ -678,7 +676,7 @@ def test_stata_finalise(monkeypatch):
 
 
 def test_stata_finalise_default_filetype(monkeypatch):
-    """Checks finalise gets called correctly."""
+    """Check finalise gets called correctly."""
     monkeypatch.setattr("builtins.input", lambda _: "Let me have it")
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
@@ -695,7 +693,7 @@ def test_stata_finalise_default_filetype(monkeypatch):
 
 
 def test_stata_unknown(data):
-    """Unknown acro command."""
+    """Test unknown acro command."""
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
         command="foo",
@@ -712,7 +710,7 @@ def test_stata_unknown(data):
 
 # ----Test stata 17 new table command syntax-------------------------------------
 def test_table_stata17(data):
-    """Checks that the simple table command works as expected."""
+    """Check that the simple table command works as expected."""
     correct = (
         "Total\n"
         "------------------------------------|\n"
@@ -737,7 +735,7 @@ def test_table_stata17(data):
 
 
 def test_table_stata17_1(data):
-    """Checks that the table command works as expected, with more than one index."""
+    """Check that the table command works as expected, with more than one index."""
     correct = (
         "Total\n"
         "---------------------------------------|\n"
@@ -772,7 +770,7 @@ def test_table_stata17_1(data):
 
 
 def test_table_stata17_2(data):
-    """Checks that the table command works as expected, with more than one column."""
+    """Check that the table command works as expected, with more than one column."""
     correct = (
         "Total\n"
         "--------------------------------------------|\n"
@@ -816,7 +814,7 @@ def test_table_stata17_2(data):
 
 
 def test_table_stata17_3(data):
-    """Checks that the table command works as expected, with herichical tables."""
+    """Check that the table command works as expected, with herichical tables."""
     correct = (
         "Total\n"
         "----------------------------------------------------|\n"
@@ -853,7 +851,7 @@ def test_table_stata17_3(data):
 
 
 def test_table_stata17_4(data):
-    """Checks that the table command works as expected, with the table variable."""
+    """Check that the table command works as expected, with the table variable."""
     correct = (
         "You need to manually check all the outputs for the risk of differencing.\n"
         "Total\n"
@@ -958,7 +956,7 @@ def test_table_stata17_4(data):
 
 
 def test_one_dimensional_table(data):
-    """Checks that one dimensional table is not supported at the moment."""
+    """Check that one dimensional table is not supported at the moment."""
     correct = (
         "acro does not currently support one dimensioanl tables. "
         "To calculate cross tabulation, you need to provide at "
@@ -978,7 +976,7 @@ def test_one_dimensional_table(data):
 
 
 def test_cleanup():
-    """Gets rid of files created during tests."""
+    """Remove files created during tests."""
     names = ["test_outputs", "test_add_to_acro", "sdc_results", "RES_PYTEST"]
     for name in names:
         clean_up(name)
diff --git a/test/test_stata_interface.py b/test/test_stata_interface.py
index 99f66d2..2cb80d4 100644
--- a/test/test_stata_interface.py
+++ b/test/test_stata_interface.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""This module contains unit tests for the stata interface."""
+"""Unit tests for the stata interface."""
 
 import os
 import shutil
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ def data() -> pd.DataFrame:
 
 
 def clean_up(name):
-    """Removes unwanted files or directory."""
+    """Remove unwanted files or directory."""
     if os.path.exists(name):
         if os.path.isfile(name):
             os.remove(name)
@@ -47,7 +47,8 @@ def dummy_acrohandler(
     data, command, varlist, exclusion, exp, weights, options, stata_version
 ):  # pylint:disable=too-many-arguments
     """
-    Provides an alternative interface that mimics the code in acro.ado
+    Provide an alternative interface that mimics the code in acro.ado.
+
     Most notably the presence of a global variable called stata_acro.
     """
     acro_outstr = parse_and_run(
@@ -59,11 +60,7 @@ def dummy_acrohandler(
 
 # --- Helper functions-----------------------------------------------------
 def test_find_brace_word():
-    """Tests helper function
-    that extracts contents 'A B C'
-    of something specified via X(A B C)
-    on the stata command line.
-    """
+    """Extract contents 'A B C' specified as X(A B C) on the stata command line."""
     options = "by(grant_type) contents(mean sd inc_activity) suppress nototals"
     res, substr = find_brace_word("by", options)
     assert res
@@ -82,7 +79,7 @@ def test_find_brace_word():
 
 
 def test_apply_stata_ifstmt(data):
-    """Tests that if statements work for selection."""
+    """Test that if statements work for selection."""
     # empty ifstring
     ifstring = ""
     smaller = apply_stata_ifstmt(ifstring, data)
@@ -101,7 +98,7 @@ def test_apply_stata_ifstmt(data):
 
 
 def test_apply_stata_expstmt():
-    """Tests that in statements work for row selection."""
+    """Test that in statements work for row selection."""
     data = np.zeros(100)
     for i in range(100):
         data[i] = i
@@ -160,11 +157,7 @@ def test_apply_stata_expstmt():
 
 
 def test_parse_table_details(data):
-    """
-    Series of checks that the varlist and options are parsed correctly
-    by the helper function.
-    """
-
+    """Check that the varlist and options are parsed correctly by the helper function."""
     varlist = ["survivor", "grant_type", "year"]
     varnames = data.columns
     options = "by(grant_type) contents(mean sd inc_activity) suppress  nototals"
@@ -207,7 +200,8 @@ def test_parse_table_details(data):
 
 def test_stata_acro_init():
     """
-    Tests creation of an acro object at the start of a session
+    Test creation of an acro object at the start of a session.
+
     For stata this gets held in a variable stata_acro
     Which is initialsied to the string "empty" in the acro.ado file
     Then should be pointed at a new acro instance.
@@ -231,7 +225,7 @@ def test_stata_acro_init():
 
 
 def test_stata_print_outputs(data):
-    """Checks print_outputs gets called."""
+    """Check print_outputs gets called."""
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
         command="print_outputs",
@@ -248,7 +242,8 @@ def test_stata_print_outputs(data):
 # ----main SDC functionality-------------------------------------
 def test_simple_table(data):
     """
-    Checks that the simple table command works as expected
+    Check that the simple table command works as expected.
+
     Does via reference to direct call to pd.crosstab()
     To make sure table specification is parsed correctly
     acro SDC analysis is tested elsewhere.
@@ -279,8 +274,9 @@ def test_simple_table(data):
 
 
 def test_stata_rename_outputs():
-    """Tests renaming outputs
-    assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests.
+    """Test renaming outputs.
+
+    Assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests.
     """
     the_str = "renamed_output"
     the_output = "output_0"
@@ -301,8 +297,9 @@ def test_stata_rename_outputs():
 
 
 def test_stata_incomplete_output_commands():
-    """Tests handling incomplete or wrong output commands
-    assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests.
+    """Test handling incomplete or wrong output commands.
+
+    Assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests.
     """
     # output to change not provided
     the_str = "renamed_output"
@@ -358,9 +355,9 @@ def test_stata_incomplete_output_commands():
 
 def test_stata_add_comments():
     """
-    Tests adding comments to  outputs
-    assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests
-    then renamed.
+    Test adding comments to outputs.
+
+    Assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests then renamed.
     """
     the_str = "some comments"
     the_output = "renamed_output"
@@ -382,9 +379,9 @@ def test_stata_add_comments():
 
 def test_stata_add_exception():
     """
-    Tests adding exception to  outputs
-    assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests
-    then renamed.
+    Test adding exception to outputs.
+
+    Assumes simple table has been created by earlier tests then renamed.
     """
     the_str = "a reason"
     the_output = "renamed_output"
@@ -406,8 +403,9 @@ def test_stata_add_exception():
 
 def test_stata_remove_output():
     """
-    Tests removing  outputs
-    assumes simple table has been created and renamed by earlier tests.
+    Test removing outputs.
+
+    Assumes simple table has been created and renamed by earlier tests.
     """
     the_output = "renamed_output"
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
@@ -430,7 +428,7 @@ def test_stata_remove_output():
 
 
 def test_stata_exclusion_in_context(data):
-    """Tests that the subsetting code gets called properly from table handler."""
+    """Test that the subsetting code gets called properly from table handler."""
     # if condition
     correct1 = (
         "Total\n"
@@ -508,7 +506,7 @@ def test_stata_exclusion_in_context(data):
 
 
 def test_table_weights(data):
-    """Weights are not currently supported."""
+    """Test weights are not currently supported."""
     weights = [0, 0, 0]
     correct = f"weights not currently implemented for _{weights}_\n"
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
@@ -525,7 +523,7 @@ def test_table_weights(data):
 
 
 def test_table_aggcfn(data):
-    """Testing behaviour with aggregation function."""
+    """Test behaviour with aggregation function."""
     # ok
     correct = (
         "Total\n"
@@ -603,8 +601,7 @@ def test_table_aggcfn(data):
 
 
 def test_table_invalidvar(data):
-    """Checking table details are valid."""
-
+    """Check table details are valid."""
     correct = "Error: word foo in by-list is not a variables name"
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
@@ -620,7 +617,7 @@ def test_table_invalidvar(data):
 
 
 def test_stata_probit(data):
-    """Checks probit gets called correctly."""
+    """Check probit gets called correctly."""
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
         command="probit",
@@ -646,7 +643,7 @@ def test_stata_probit(data):
 
 
 def test_stata_linregress(data):
-    """Checks linear regression called correctly."""
+    """Check linear regression called correctly."""
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
         command="regress",
@@ -667,7 +664,7 @@ def test_stata_linregress(data):
 
 
 def test_stata_logit(data):
-    """Tests stata logit function."""
+    """Test stata logit function."""
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
         command="logit",
@@ -694,7 +691,7 @@ def test_stata_logit(data):
 
 
 def test_unsupported_formatting_options(data):
-    """Checks that user gets warning if they try to format table."""
+    """Check that user gets warning if they try to format table."""
     format_string = "acro does not currently support table formatting commands."
     correct = (
         "Total\n"
@@ -737,7 +734,7 @@ def test_unsupported_formatting_options(data):
 
 
 def test_stata_finalise(monkeypatch):
-    """Checks finalise gets called correctly."""
+    """Check finalise gets called correctly."""
     monkeypatch.setattr("builtins.input", lambda _: "Let me have it")
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
@@ -754,7 +751,7 @@ def test_stata_finalise(monkeypatch):
 
 
 def test_stata_finalise_default_filetype(monkeypatch):
-    """Checks finalise gets called correctly."""
+    """Check finalise gets called correctly."""
     monkeypatch.setattr("builtins.input", lambda _: "Let me have it")
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
@@ -771,7 +768,7 @@ def test_stata_finalise_default_filetype(monkeypatch):
 
 
 def test_stata_unknown(data):
-    """Unknown acro command."""
+    """Test unknown acro command."""
     ret = dummy_acrohandler(
         data,
         command="foo",
@@ -787,7 +784,7 @@ def test_stata_unknown(data):
 
 
 def test_cleanup():
-    """Gets rid of files created during tests."""
+    """Remove files created during tests."""
     names = ["test_outputs", "test_add_to_acro", "sdc_results", "RES_PYTEST"]
     for name in names:
         clean_up(name)