Plain language is not about oversimplifying the content. It’s about language that enables people to find what they need, understand it the first time they read or hear it, and use that information successfully.
Plain language focuses on techniques like:
- active voice
- familiar vocabulary
- logical organization
- meaningful headings
- clear calls to action
- consistent terminology
- simple, straightforward sentences
Get more detailed information by reading Principles of plain language.
When people hear plain language, they often assume short sentences and simple words. That is part of it, but it's not all of it. Plain language is really about your audience and asking yourself, can they find what they need, understand it once they do, and act on it?
If you answer no or not really to any part of that question, your content isn't doing its job, no matter how short the sentences are.
Find
Before people can understand your content, they have to find it. Clear headings, a logical structure, and navigation that aligns with how people search make that possible. Even if every sentence is crystal clear, prospective students may become frustrated and give up if the admissions deadlines and application requirements are scattered across multiple web pages.
Understand
This is where the language does the heavy lifting. Use familiar vocabulary (based on your audience), active voice, and present the information in a way that reads and sounds natural and easy to follow. For example, post-surgery care instructions should read like guidance from a health professional, not a legal disclaimer.
Act
Content should guide people toward an obvious next step. Purposeful design choices like descriptive call-to-action buttons, clear, succinct headings, highlighted deadlines, and easy-to-find contact information help people quickly understand what to do and how to take action. Even the best-written content can fall short if users can’t easily find or interact with what they need.
Testing
Writers are often too close to their own content to judge whether it's actually clear. Usability testing, plain-language reviews, or simply watching someone unfamiliar with the topic try to use the content will help reveal gaps.
Plain language is really a design discipline, not just an editing technique. It combines clear writing, thoughtful organization, and accessible design.
The best way to know whether content is truly written in plain language and is effective is to test it with the people it's intended to serve.
Great content isn't measured by how much you write, the word count, or reading levels. Its true measure is by how easily people can find what they need, understand it, and complete their task.
Resources
- PlainLanguage.gov
- W3C Writing Tips
- 5 language shifts that instantly improve accessibility, LinkedIn
- Give it to Me Straight! - The Power of Plain Language
A human author creates the DubBlog posts. The AI tools Gemini and ChatGPT are sometimes used to brainstorm subject ideas, generate blog post outlines, and rephrase certain portions of the content. Our marketing team carefully reviews all final drafts for accuracy and authenticity. The opinions and perspectives expressed remain the sole responsibility of the human author.
