What is plain English?
What is plain English?

Plain English writing is:

  • clear
  • concise
  • well structured
  • focused on the reader
  • appropriate to the audience.

 

When you use plain English you:

  • use precise, straightforward language that is familiar to your readers and appropriate to their needs
  • avoid jargon, clichés, tired or overused phrases
  • write so your readers understand what you want them to know, or to do, the first time they read your words
  • make sure layout and presentation support readability.

The business benefits of plain English

Plain English shows your clients, staff, and business associates that you are committed to communicating clearly. Public and private sector organisations all over the English-speaking world are committing to plain English.


Plain English saves you money and keeps your customers happy.


All over the English-speaking world, governments, corporations, professional services organisations, and large and small businesses are using plain English to communicate clearly with their customers, suppliers, and staff. By doing this they are able to run their organisations more efficiently.

 

Cost benefits to businesses using plain English

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Help yourself with plain English

Find out about plain English business writing workshops
Write Group is the home of the WriteMark.

Get a free trial of StyleWriter editing software
StyleWriter will help you put what you have learnt into practice. This software is like having a plain English editor in your computer.

Plain English examples

Plain English articles

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What is plain English?