Plain Language: Improving Communications from the Federal Government to the Public


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Plain Language Legacy

When we first developed this site, our focus was on explaining what plain language is and why it's important. We hoped to convince others to follow our lead. With the advent of the Plain Writing Act of 2010, our focus has changed. However, we feel these sections are still useful.

What is Plain Language?
Plain language (also called Plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. No one technique defines plain language. Rather, plain language is defined by results—it is easy to read, understand, and use.

Why Plain Language?
Writing in plain language isn't easy, but it pays off in positive results

Where do we use Plain Language?
The use of plain language is spreading in many areas of American culture. Governments at all levels, especially the federal government, are using plain language more extensively. Other areas where we see a push toward plain language include the sciences and the legal profession.

 
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