Principles

Using plain language makes communicating easy. It's clear, simple, and reduces misunderstandings.

Plain language is also easier to translate and localize. It avoids idiomatic and colloquial language, which means people of all nationalities are more likely to understand the original message you’re trying to convey.

Here are a few tips for communicating in plain language:

• Write for all reading levels; aim for 6th grade or lower
• Use short sentences with one idea per sentence
• Use short paragraphs with one topic per paragraph
• Minimize cross-references
• Choose commonly used words with fewer syllables
• Choose active voice over passive voice
• Write in the first person to help users put themselves in the driver's seat
• Include images and graphics where appropriate to help convey information clearly

For more tips on writing plainly, check out https://www.plainlanguage.gov/.

Examples

Slang and Jargon

Writing plainly means avoiding patterns of speech that are specific to a particular group based on region, industry, age, or other identity.

• Jargon is language specific to a particular discipline, industry, or study.
• Slang is informal language that is specific to a group, like teens, and can result in confusing use of common words.
• Colloquialisms are also informal patterns of speech, but are generally known and understood by most people.