About Plain Language

The principal focus of plain language is on the audience, not the writer. Material is in plain language if the audience can:

• Find what they need
• Understand what they find
• Use what they find to meet their needs

What’s plain language for one audience may not be plain language for another audience. No one technique defines plain language. Some of the more important techniques, which apply to any audience, include:

• Writing reasonably short sentences
• Preferring active voice
• Using clear, informative headings
• Using logical organization
• Omitting unnecessary words
• Having a readable design

For more discussion of the principles of plain language, visit www.plainlanguage.gov

Plain language supports communication by focusing on the audience and its needs. It helps people find and use information quickly and effectively by organizing material in the way they want it, and speaking in terms they understand. Research shows that plain language saves time and money for the writer and the reader. For example, after rewriting one standard letter into plain language, one federal office received only 20% as many inquiries from customers as it had before rewriting the letter.

Visit www.plainlanguage.gov for more information about the benefits of plain language

If you have a story about the benefits of plain language, email us at stories@plainlanguage.gov