Plain English Campaign (2024)

FAQs

Plain English Campaign? ›

Since 1979, we have been campaigning against gobbledygook, jargon and misleading public information. We have helped many government departments and other official organisations with their documents, reports and publications. We believe that everyone should have access to clear and concise information.

Since 1979, we have been campaigning against gobbledygook, jargon and misleading public information. We have helped many government departments and other official organisations with their documents, reports and publications. We believe that everyone should have access to clear and concise information.

The plain English movement is the name given to the first effective effort to change this and to write legal documents, particularly those used by consumers, in a manner that can be understood, not just by the legal technicians who draft them, but by the consumers who are bound by their terms.

For example, plain language would use hungry instead of famished and quickly instead of expeditiously. Plain language is more than word choice though. It also involves structuring writing to prioritize clarity.

So what is plain English? It is a message, written with the reader in mind and with the right tone of voice, that is clear and concise. Most experts would agree that clear writing should have an average sentence length of 15 to 20 words.

Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. Write for your reader, not yourself. Use pronouns when you can. State your major point(s) first before going into details.

Using plain language means you're transparent — you're not hiding behind jargon, ambiguity, and acronyms. Plain language helps you connect with your readers, and build a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.

Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it.

In clear, straightforward language, as in The doctor's diagnosis was too technical; please tell us what he meant in plain English . [c. 1500] Also see in so many words .

Is a 50 word sentence too long? ›

When is a sentence too long? It is difficult to come up with a magic number or formula for determining when a sentence is too long. A 12-word sentence that minces words can be too long, while a crystal clear, beautifully-composed 22-word sentence is sometimes just perfect. In general, though, never go beyond 30 words.

Sentences are usually between 15–20 words. Thirty words is a long sentence and should be considered the maximum. Short sentences can quickly and reliably relay information. However, varying sentence length is important because sentences of the same length can be monotonous and bore your reader.

The Paperwork Reduction Act was introduced in 1976, and in 1978 President Carter issued executive orders intended to make government regulations "cost-effective and easy-to-understand by those who were required to comply with them." Many agencies now have long-standing policies mandating plain language; in 2010, this ...

Plain English presents information in a way that helps others to understand the message the first time they read or hear it. Plain English can be used in a range of workplace documents including emails, reports, policies, workplace procedures, file notes, and forms.

Plain English training builds a culture of effective writing

We teach the tools and techniques of plain language, so each member of staff learns how to communicate clearly, calmly and consistently.

Plain English simplifies a message so that it can be quickly and easily understood. It is a way of conveying complex ideas in a way that most readers can understand. The audience can grasp the message the first time they read it – it is suitable for busy policy makers. It avoids obscurity.

Plain language translation is a communication approach emphasising simplicity and clarity, aiming to make information accessible to diverse readers, including those with limited language proficiency.