Writing in plain English means using clear and simple language to communicate. This guide explains how to write in plain English.
You can download a PDF copy of the Plain English Guide here.
Know who you are writing for. Use language your audience will understand.
1. Know your audience
Know who you are writing for. Use language your audience will understand.
2. Start with a clear purpose
Be clear about what you want to say and why it is important.
3. Use simple words
Choose words that are familiar and easy to understand. Avoid jargon, technical terms, or complex language. Explain any complex words you need to use.
4. Have short sentences and paragraphs
Keep sentences short. Aim for an average of 15-20 words or less per sentence. Use short paragraphs.
5. Be direct
Get straight to the point. Clearly state your main ideas. Only explain things that your readers need to know.
6. Be active, not passive
Use the active voice to make your writing more direct and clear. For example, "The team completed the project" is clearer than "The project was completed by the team."
7. Give examples
Use examples to show what you mean.
8. Be organised
Present information in a logical order. Use headings, bullet points, and lists. People are more likely to understand and remember your content if it's well organised.
9. Check the reading level
Use tools like the Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test to check how easy it is to read your text. Aim for an early high-school reading level or lower for general audiences.
10. Test with your audience
Share your draft with someone from your target audience. Ask them whether they were able to read and understand the content.
11. Edit and revise
Review your writing for clarity. Remove words that are not needed. Make sentences simple.
12. Seek feedback
Get feedback from peers and people you work with. You might be too involved in what you've written to see it clearly. Others often have helpful insights.
13. Pay attention to tone
Use a friendly tone. Don't be overly formal or technical unless necessary.
14. Keep learning
Keep improving your plain English writing skills. Stay open to feedback. Be willing to adjust your style and approach.
Following these guidelines will help you write information that is easily understood. Plain English writing is about communicating with all readers. Use simple, everyday language to help everyone understand your information better.
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