What Is Plain Language?

What Is Plain Language?

Writers Write is a plain language writing resource. In this post, we answer the question: What is plain language?

Plain language involves making sure that documents are written in the most direct and clear way so that readers can easily understand and use the information.

We must:

  1. Remove jargon and unnecessary official, legal or bureaucratic wording.
  2. Replace lengthy, complex sentences with concise ones.
  3. Pay attention to design and layout of documents to make them as accessible as possible.

What Is Plain Language?

Plain language is a vital tool for clear communication.

Which documents should be written in plain language?

  1. Letters, memos, emails.
  2. Reports.
  3. Policy documents.
  4. Procedure manuals.
  5. Forms.
  6. Submissions and tenders.
  7. Brochures and newsletters.
  8. Contracts.
  9. Words for the website.

Source for Information and Image

What is Plain Language? Legal Definition

Buy The Report Writing Workbook if you need help writing reports and proposals.

If you enjoyed this article, read these posts:

  1. Plain Language Is An Opportunity
  2. 5 Reasons To Use Plain Language
  3. Writing In Plain Language – How To Remove Meaningless Phrases
  4. The Top Seven Tips for Writing Emails
  5. Persuasive Writing Brainstormer Template
  6. Nine Things To Avoid When You Write A Report
  7. The One Essential Email Trick Every Business Writer Should Know

If you want to improve your business writing, buy The Complete Grammar Workbook.

Posted on: 17th October 2012
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