In partnership with our worldwide network of plain language consultants, sponsors, and partners, we encourage government agencies and businesses to write clear and understandable communication.
When plain language becomes personal
International Plain Language Federation: ISO plain language standard
Plain Language Tools
What is Plain Language?
Communication with clear wording, structure, and design for the intended audience to easily:
- find what they need
- understand what they find
- use that information
From our blog
Excitement grows about Canada’s new accessible plain language standard
Canada published its first accessible plain language standard on International Plain Language Day, October 13, 2025. The standard is called CAN-ASC-3.1:2025 – Plain Language. It is the product of more than 5 years of hard work by Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) and its Technical Committee for Plain Language.
What Does AI Mean for Plain Language Writing?
Writers are increasingly exploring AI out of curiosity or necessity, but many aren’t sure how tools like ChatGPT and Claude can help make their writing clearer and easier to understand. That hesitation makes sense, especially in work where clarity, accuracy, and accountability are core values.
AI doesn’t change the goals of plain-language communication. Used thoughtfully, it can support the work writers already do, such as avoiding jargon, making sure information flows logically, and identifying places where readers might get stuck.
Stop the Scroll: Why Government Social Media Needs Plain Language – Shuly Babitz
There’s a classic Friends episode where Ross, Rachel, and Chandler try to move a couch up a narrow staircase. Ross keeps yelling, “Pivot!” but Rachel and Chandler freeze. They don’t know what he means. Chandler finally snaps: “What does pivot mean anyway?”
The Center for Plain Language is proudly sponsored by In-Game Learning