What is Plain English?

“Plain language is communication designed to meet the needs of the intended audience, so people can understand information that is important to their lives.” – Plain Language Association International

“Plain English is a flexible and efficient writing style that readers can understand in one reading. It combines clear, concise expression, an effective structure and good document design.” – Plain English Foundation, Australia

“The main advantages of plain English are:
• It is faster to write
• It is faster to read
• You get your message across more often, more easily and in a friendlier way” – Plain English Campaign, UK

Examples

BEFORE

“High-quality learning environments are a necessary precondition for facilitation and enhancement of the ongoing learning process.”

AFTER

Children need good schools if they are to learn properly.

BEFORE

If there are any points on which you require explanation or further particulars we shall be glad to furnish such additional details as may be required by telephone.

AFTER

If you have any questions, please ring.

(from Plain English Campaign)

Can you understand this at first reading?

“This agreement to arbitrate is not a prerequisite to health care or treatment and may be revoked within 60 days after execution by notification in writing.   In other words: “You don’t have to sign this to get treatment here. And if you do sign it, you can cancel within 60 days after you sign by writing to ____________.”

(Example from Writing for Dollars, Writing to Please by Joe Kimble)