What is federal plain language?
The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communications from government. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. We continue to revise it every few years to provide updated advice on clear communication.
What is the current status of plain language?
Information Status We have suspended in-person training.
How often does the federal government publish plain language guidelines?
History. We first developed these guidelines in the mid-90s. We continue to revise them every few years to provide updated advice on clear communication.
What is an example of plain language?
“You” and other pronouns. Active voice, not passive. Short sentences and paragraphs. Common, everyday words.
What is the purpose of plain language?
Plain language means readers understand your documents more quickly. Readers call less often for explanations. They make fewer errors filling out forms. They comply more accurately and quickly with requirements.
What are the principles of plain language?
Top 10 Principles for Plain Language
- Write for your reader, not yourself.
- Use pronouns when you can.
- State your major point(s) first before going into details.
- Stick to your topic.
- Limit each paragraph to one idea and keep it short.
- Write in active voice.
- Use short sentences as much as possible.
- Use everyday words.
What is plain law language and its features?
Plain language legal writing refers to legal writing that is well thought-out, well organized, and understandable to the client without interpretation: the language is clear, the legal concepts are explained and the technical terms are defined.
Why is plain language important?
Plain language is a way of presenting information that helps your audience understand it the first time they read it and it makes good business sense. Using plain language helps you to communicate well with your clients and customers and give them what they want: information that is accessible and easy to understand.
What is plain English drafting in law?
“Plain language law” is simply the techniques of plain language applied in a legal context. It involves applying to legal documents and statutes those same techniques that good writers use in normal prose. It is effective writing, in a legal context.
What does it mean to write a plain legal language contract?
Plain language (also referred to as plain English) is not about oversimplifying communications or writing in a lackluster style. The goal of plain language is to express precisely a communication with clarity and conciseness so that it is easily read and understood by its intended audience.
What are four traits of plain language?
Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. Write for your reader, not yourself. Use pronouns when you can. State your major point(s) first before going into details.
Why is plain language important in law?
Legal documents, especially functional documents, should be written in plain language because a reader cannot act on a document the reader cannot understand.
Why is plain legal language important?
Plain language statutes and documents are more ‘efficient’ than traditionally worded ones. They are easier to read, for both lawyers and non-lawyers, saving time for lawyers and non-lawyers.
Why is plain English important in law?
It is particularly important when your message contains complex legal information that is not easy to understand. Information that is written in plain language helps people to understand the law and the legal assistance available to them. It can also contribute to and enhance an agency’s service delivery.