What Is Plain Language?
Plain language is a method of writing and designing information so that the people who need to use it can find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information effectively—all on the first reading. It focuses on clarity, conciseness, and directness, avoiding unnecessary complexity, jargon, and ambiguity.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for areas of plain language to review.
When Should I Use Plain Language?
Plain language can be used in many different contexts, but is especially useful for communications that read broad, public audiences with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and education. In particular, plain language is commonly used in the following areas:
- Public-facing documents: Plain language is critical for government forms, instructions, legal and financial disclosures, health information, and any content aimed at a wide audience.
- Business communications: Companies use plain language for contracts, manuals, customer service letters, or web content to improve comprehension and reduce errors or disputes.
- Educational and community outreach: Materials for diverse audiences—such as non-native speakers, people with varying literacy levels, or those seeking quick answers—are more effective when written plainly.
Why Should I Use Plain Language?
Plain language is designed to make content as easy to understand as possible in as little time and with as minimal effort as possible. Four primary reasons why you should consider using plain language include the following:
- Efficiency: It speeds up reading and comprehension. Whether it’s a user following instructions or a customer deciding on a product, plain language reduces confusion and saves time.
- Accessibility: It ensures that people with different literacy levels, cultural backgrounds, or disabilities can understand the message.
- Legal and ethical considerations: Some jurisdictions require clear, understandable communication (for example, consumer protection laws). Clear messaging also reduces the risk of misinterpretation or legal disputes.
- Trust and customer satisfaction: Clear, transparent communication fosters trust and loyalty between organizations and the public.
