Plain Language: An FDA Initiative for Written Communications

What is “plain language,” or as it’s sometimes called “plain English?” It’s writing in a way that enables readers to understand the message the first time they read it. It’s also the law. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires all federal agencies to use plain language when they communicate with the public.

Writing in plain language is not unprofessional. It’s not “dumbing down” the message or “talking down” to the audience. When you write clearly and get to the point without using unnecessary words or technical jargon, you get your message across more quickly and increase the chance the information will be understood and used.

FDA and our sister agencies in the Department of Health and Human Services are dedicated to using plain language. Our scientists, budget analysts, regulatory experts, and other professionals have valuable information to share, but it’s not effective if the target audience doesn’t understand it.

See the Difference

If you don’t believe the difference plain language can make, take a look at this example from a Public Health Service brochure. The Department of Health and Human Services revised a six-page article on Losing Weight Safely to create a single brochure with a message that's much easier to follow.

Wordy

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends a half-hour or more of moderate physical activity on most days, preferably every day. The activity can include brisk walking, calisthenics, home care, gardening, moderate sports exercise, and dancing.

Clear

Do at least 30 minutes of exercise, like brisk walking, most days of the week.

Usage Tips

Information written in plain language has some common characteristics, including:

• Identify your audience and the point you’re trying to make
• Put the most important point at the beginning
• Use common, easily understood words
• Only use technical terms when necessary, and make certain you’ve explain their meaning
• Use active verbs and personal pronouns
• Use bullets, tables, and other design features that break up the text and add visual interest
• Use short sentences and paragraphs (Sentences should average 15-20 words)
• Use acronyms and abbreviations sparingly.

Plain Language on the Web

Visitors to our website are often in a hurry to find the information they need. They may scan a page as they look for quick answers to their questions. Help your readers find what they need by following these Web writing tips from PlainLanguage.gov:

• Be concise
• Break documents into separate topics
• Use short paragraphs—even shorter than on paper
• Use short lists and bullets to organize information
• Use even more headings with less under each heading
• Use white space liberally, so pages are easy to scan
• Use the same words a reader would use in a Web search—especially in the title
• Don’t assume your readers know a subject’s background or have read related pages on your site. Each page should stand on its own
• Never use "click here" as a link—link language should describe what your reader will get if they click the link.

Don't Be Wordy

Government writing is often too wordy. Extra or elaborate words make your writing weaker. Here are some examples of extra words and their plain alternatives: