WHAT IS PLAIN ENGLISH

Plain English is a writing style that readers can easily understand. 

Plain English combines clear, concise expressions, simple sentence structure and a design that is easy to navigate. 

BENEFITS OF PLAIN ENGLISH

• Precision – By using fewer words you decrease the risk of vagueness. You can be accurate without using formal language.
• Clarity – Studies have shown that plain English can increase understanding by up to 90%.
• Readability – Good writing is easy to understand in one sitting. Dressing up language to sound authoritative makes the text less readable.
• Translatability – A translation can only be as good as the original: starting from a plain English text makes it easier to convey the meaning.
• Efficiency – Writing less saves you time and money. A shorter text is cheaper to translate.
• Accountability – Using the passive voice makes it harder to call anyone to account.

PRINCIPLES OF PLAIN ENGLISH WRITING

• Adapt your style to the needs of your readers
• Use short words
• Use short sentences (15-20 words)
• Use short paragraphs (2-3 sentences)
• Use the active voice
• Cut out clutter and useless words
• Avoid jargon, clichés and abbreviations
• Explain technical terms in simple language
• Use capital letters only when it is essential
• Use simple and sincere language
• Write the way you speak
• Spell check your text
• Use clear design and layout principles: wide margins, dot points, headings and subheadings and generous line spacing

Next time you write something, try putting things down the way you would actually say them.  

ASK YOURSELF

• How much does the reader already know about this subject?
• What information do I actually need to give?
• What tone should I use?
• Am I giving instructions or advice?