Writing in plain language

Write to improve comprehension

• Begin with main points

• Use heading
• topic headings
• statement headings
• question headings

• Use bullet list
• strong lead-in statement
• consistent capitalization and punctuation
• parallel structure

• Use table to simplify content

Write in a personal, modern style

• Address the readers directly - we/you

• Break outdated writing rules
• Elegant variation - make reader confusing
• Never begin a sentence with a conjunction
• Never end a sentence with a preposition
• Never use contraction in business writing - sound unnatural

Write with plain language, words, and sentences

• write in active voice - who should take action

• write brief, clear sentences

• remove modifiers

• avoid using "this and that", multiple adjectives

• avoid using "there" and "it" as the subject

• avoid jargon and abbreviations

• avoid noun strings and smothered verbs
• use prepositions to improve understanding
• ending with -ance, -ence, -mant, -ment, -sion, -tion active voice

Resource Guide

A Plain-Language Checklist for Reviewing Your Document – National Institutes of Health (USA) Checklist for Plain Language – Plainlanguage.gov (USA) Five Steps to Plain Language – Center for Plain Language (USA)