Plain Language is a Method and a Movement

Plain language is a method of writing for clarity and effectiveness. It is guided by strategies for organizing and writing so that the reader will understand the text on the “first read.” It is the opposite of “medicalese,” “legalese,” bureaucratic language, and jargon. The phrase “plain language” can also be used to mean clear, reader-friendly graphic design in printed documents.

Plain language is also a movement toward providing consumers with understandable information. This movement has been active and growing in many countries for the last 25 years. Some of the more active countries are England, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Sweden, and more recently, the United States. The use of plain language has spread into many fields, including medical, financial, legal, technical, and business.

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Why Use Plain Language?

	Plain language is easier to read than technical, legal, or complicated writing. Therefore, readers are more likely to read it, to “hang in there” long enough to finish the document.
	Even highly skilled readers appreciate plain language. We are all busy people. We don’t always have the motivation to read something difficult and dense, even if we do have the skill.
	It can save lives when patients understand how to care for their chronic conditions, prepare for surgery, or why they should get a screening test for early detection.
	Plain language saves time and money. If readers find the answers to their questions in print materials, you’ll have fewer calls to your staff. And if you use plain language internally, your employees will save time reading business correspondence that’s clear on the first reading. No more discussions around the water cooler—“What does that memo mean we should DO? I don’t get it!” top