Plain Language

What is plain language?

Plain language is simple and clear language. It is defined in the Plain Writing Act of 2010 as “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience.”

Writing in plain language helps your users:

Find what they need
Understand what they find, and
Use that information to do what they need to do.

Plain language is:

Clear
Direct
Organized
Focused on what the reader needs to know

Plain language does not:

“Dumb things down”
Sound unprofessional
Leave out important information

Who benefits from plain language?

Plain language can help everyone. It can be especially helpful for:

People with disabilities that affect reading, memory, attention, or understanding
People who are still learning English
People who are unfamiliar with the topic
People who are reading quickly or under stress

Organizations benefit too. Plain language can help more people understand and use the information you provide.

Is plain language required?

The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to use clear communication that the public can understand and use.
Other laws may require information to be accessible to people with disabilities in certain situations. Plain language can help make information more accessible, particularly for people with disabilities that affect reading or understanding.

How do I get started with using plain language?

Think about ways to make your information easier to find, understand, and use

Ask yourself: Can the reader quickly answer these questions?

What is this about?
What is most important?
What do I need to do?
When do I need to do it?
Who can help me?

Review your content and look for ways to make it clearer, then use these tips to make your writing clearer.

5 quick ways to make your writing clearer

Use common, everyday words.
Keep sentences and paragraphs short.
Put the most important information first.
Use headings and lists to organize information.
Tell readers clearly what they need to do.

Instead of: “Prior to submitting the application…”
Try: “Before you submit the application…”

Instead of: “Individuals who are eligible…”
Try: “People who are eligible…”

Instead of: “In the event that you need assistance…”
Try: “If you need help…”

Is plain language the same as Easy Read?

No. Plain language and Easy Read both make information easier to understand, but they are not the same. Easy Read follows additional guidelines and often combines short, simple text with images. Some people with intellectual disabilities may benefit from Easy Read even when information is written in plain language.

Resources

There are lots of resources for learning how to write in plain language. This plain language checklist from plainlanguage.gov will get you started. Then check out the additional resources below.