Plain English for Professionals

As an academic, legal, medical or technical writer, do you ever look at your writing through the eyes of your reader? Is it easy for them to grasp your subject matter? Is the content arranged logically and clearly? Are there difficult terms and complex sentences they might have to re-read?

Too often, we assume that research papers, manuals, reports and briefs have to be dull and ponderous to be taken seriously. We use jargon, wordy phrases and long-winded sentences. We address a large, impersonal audience instead of speaking to the individual reader. Despite our best intentions, such writing becomes obscure, stuffy and downright boring.

Why can’t documentation be written in clear and simple language? That’s what plain English supporters are asking. Frustrated and baffled by the highbrow style of document writing, people across the world are defending the use of plain English.

What’s wrong with traditional English?

Many phrases and constructions in traditional English made sense when they were coined but are now outdated. Over time, we have simplified the way we speak, but still subscribe to the old school ways of writing. Many readers switch off or feel alienated by the officious tone of such language, defeating the whole purpose of communication.

English writing is also moving on from its many regional variants. ‘UK English’, ‘US English’, ‘Australian English’, ‘Indian English’ and ‘Canadian English’ are losing their relevance in the global village. As geographical boundaries dissolve, a single, global version of the language is evolving – plain English.

Plain English is understood and used all over the world. Employing straightforward, no-frills plain English not only saves time and effort, but also prevents misinterpretation by conveying your message accurately. This is especially important when facts and information are being communicated, such as in insurance, banking, medical or legal documents.

Won’t plain English make my writing appear ignorant and unrefined?

In plain English, each word counts. You need to be more exacting and rigorous in your writing. When you weed out the unnecessary elements from your work, the content that comes through is clear, concise and effective. It holds the attention of readers instead of distracting them with fluff. If anything, plain English refines your writing style.

How do I learn plain English?

You can find a lot of information about plain English on the Internet. However, as with any other language, knowing the rules and techniques of plain English does not assure fluency. Using a ‘learn-by-doing’ format with relevant examples and exercises, Chillibreeze’s plain English course helps you master plain English and apply it to your line of work. The course is tailored to your specific type of writing.

Types of writing covered include the following:

• Academic writing
• Legal writing
• Technical writing
• Medical writing
• Business writing

Extensive glossaries help you update your vocabulary with current, reader friendly words and phrases. A challenging test enables you to assess your level of plain English at the end of the course.

Plain English is not a dumbed down version of regular English. It is the globally accepted way to communicate today. To know more about plain English, check out A Quick Guide to Plain English.

We also have plain English Courses for Writers/Editors and Professionals.
Read more about The Plain English Movement here.

Try our Express Editing Services for documents that are 5,000 words or less.