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Write in Plain Language; It Helps Everyone

There is a movement gaining traction across America: writing in plain, understandable English. Plain language is, as William DuBay said, “a literary style that is easy to read because it matches the reading skill of the audience.”

Government agencies are adopting the tenets of plain language. Lawyers are hiring editors to “translate” their legalese into English that anyone with an eighth-grade education can understand. And more and more businesses are gradually coming around to the benefits of using plain English in their communications.

A New Wrinkle in Communications

clar-i-ty defined in Plain English

In retrospect, it seems obvious that easily understood writing would help everyone — from those with a message to relay to those trying to read that message. The plain language movement’s goal is to make the written word easier to comprehend. Given that we are all inundated with messages throughout the day, making those messages clearer can make life simpler for many people.

Still, it has taken a surprisingly long time to get everyone to agree that documents should be written in plain English. Detail-oriented lawyers in private and public practice wanted foremost to close loopholes. Business writers assumed their audiences were highly educated. Training in clear communications did not exist.

The Movement Gains Ground

This is not a new phenomenon. Way back in 1972, President Richard Nixon issued a decree that the “Federal Register be written in layman’s terms.” The government — and future Presidents — have mostly continued to push for clearer and simpler written communications.

Like any grassroots democratic cause, the plain language movement has gradually gained momentum. People tired of the confusing status quo and asked for simpler content. They weren’t lazy; they needed to find meaning quickly so that they could make important decisions. Today, we can see the changes… in some places.

Writers still have work to do, but the benefits are becoming clearer as more research is done. For an introduction to plain language, check out the Plain Language Association InterNational (PLAIN) website. You can find cutting-edge information about and examples of plain language in the Wikipedia.

How This Affects You

Ray Access believes in plain language. We apply its principles in all the writing we do, matching our style to the reading skill of the intended audience, as Mr. DuBay recommends. We write for people, not search engines. Our writing is geared to attract more human eyes to your business, which can translate into more sales, greater visibility, and customer satisfaction.

In the process, search engines take note, too, which increases your website’s page rank. It’s truly a win-win scenario.

If you are ignoring your website, it’s likely ignoring you. Get the best value from your online assets. In plain English.


Ray Access is a content marketing firm that delivers targeted words to empower your business. Contact us about your specific project to receive a quote or discuss your needs. We write website copy, blog posts, e-newsletters and more. Everything we do is thoroughly researched, professionally edited and guaranteed original.