Plain Language: Improving Communications from the Federal Government to the Public


Powered by Google

 
 
Home
What is PL?
Why PL?
Using PL?
Examples
How To/Tools
Popular Topics
Resources
How To/Tools>Guidelines> Federal Plain Language Guidelines> Table of Contents
Download PDF

Federal Plain Language Guidelines


Download the Word or PDF version of the full Guidelines.

Introduction
  1. Thinking about your audience
    • Identify and write for your audience
    • Address separate audiences separately
  2. Organizing your document
    • Organize to meet your readers' needs
    • Address one person, not a group
    • Use lots of useful headings
    • Write short sections
  3. Writing your document
    1. Words
      1. verbs
        • Use active voice
        • Use the simplest form of a verb
        • Avoid hidden verbs
        • Use "must" to indicate requirements
        • Use contractions when appropriate
      2. nouns and pronouns
        • Don't turn verbs into nouns
        • Use pronouns to speak directly to readers
        • Minimize abbreviations
      3. other word issues
        • Use short, simple words
        • Omit unnecessary words
        • Dealing with definitions
        • Use the same term consistently for a specific thought or object
        • Avoid legal, foreign, and technical jargon
        • Don't use slashes
    2. Sentences
      • Write short sentences
      • Keep subject, verb, and object close together
      • Avoid double negatives and exceptions to exceptions
      • Place the main idea before exceptions and conditions
      • Place words carefully
    3. Paragraphs
      • Have a topic sentence
      • Use transition words
      • Write short paragraphs
      • Cover only one topic in each paragraph
    4. Other aids to clarity
      • Use examples
      • Use vertical lists
      • Use tables to make complex material easier to understand
      • Consider using illustrations
      • Use emphasis to highlight important concepts
      • Minimize cross-references
      • Design your document for ease of reading
  4. Testing your Document

 
Home|About Us|Contact Us|Privacy and Other Policies|Feedback|Community|News|USA.gov
 
Site hosted by the Federal Aviation Administration
An Official Site of the U.S. Government.