Writing that can be understood.
WHAT PLAIN LANGUAGE IS
Words your reader knows, in sentences they can follow at first reading.
WHAT IT IS NOT
Simplistic, or condescending.
WHAT TO REPLACE
Long words where short ones work Abstract nouns where verbs work Phrases where single words work
WHAT EXAMPLES LOOK LIKE
Use instead of utilise Buy instead of procure Now instead of at this moment in time Because instead of due to the fact that
WHAT NOMINALISATION IS
Turning a verb into a noun.
WHAT IT PRODUCES
Sentences with no action: the implementation of the solution rather than we implemented it.
WHAT TO DO
Find the verb and use it.
WHAT SENTENCE LENGTH TO AIM FOR
Varied, averaging short.
WHY VARIED
Uniform length is monotonous.
WHAT TO DO WITH A SENTENCE OVER THREE LINES
Split it.
WHAT ACTIVE VOICE DOES
Names who does what.
WHY THAT MATTERS AT WORK
Passive construction conceals responsibility.
WHAT EXAMPLE SHOWS IT
Mistakes were made, against we made mistakes.
WHEN PASSIVE IS APPROPRIATE
When the actor is unknown or irrelevant.
WHAT TO CUT
Words adding nothing.
HOW TO FIND THEM
Read it aloud.
