By: Minnesota IT Services Communications

What is plain language?

Plain language is communication that all readers can understand the first time they read it and know what they need to do next. 

Plain language follows these universal guidelines: 

• Use “everyday” language.
• Write in short and complete sentences.
• Present information in a format that is easy to find and easy to understand.
• Clearly state directions and deadlines to the audience.

Why is it important?

Plain language provides Minnesotans with better state services by reducing confusion, saving time, and improving customer satisfaction. As government employees, we recognize the right of all members of the public to access public information. We must commit to providing access to all individuals – with or without disabilities – who wish to use government websites, documents, applications, or services to get information or resources. Using language that is commonly understood is a big part of making information accessible to everyone. 

When should you use it?

Use plain language in all communications, whether it is for printed materials, emails, or web content. When writing technical or legal documentation, you should use plain language as much as possible. However, we always check with the subject matter expert to verify the accuracy of the content.

It’s the law

The Plain Writing Act of 2010 was signed on October 13, 2010. The law requires all federal agencies to use clear government communication that the public can understand.

In 2014, then-Governor Mark Dayton signed Executive Order 14-07 (PDF), Implementing Plain Language in the Executive Branch, which required the Office of the Governor and all state agencies to communicate with the public using plain language principles. Governor Tim Walz continued the executive order to implement plain language when he issued Executive Order 19-29 (PDF) in 2019. 

Is plain language accessible?

Plain language principles increase cognitive accessibility, particularly for people with intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities. Plain language concepts in layout design and formatting help everyone locate the information they need easily.

Do you lose important information when writing in plain language?

Always check with the subject matter expert to make sure that your plain language rewrite hasn’t changed the meaning or the accuracy of the content. If you need to use complex or technical terms, provide a short, plain language explanation of the term. 

Can you give example(s) of plain language writing?

We took the following from PlainLanguage.gov examples. This was part of a speech given by Vice President Al Gore on June 1, 1998, at the National Small Business Week Awards.

“Here’s a great example—an old regulation from OSHA:

The title of the old regulation is “Means of Egress.” Egress, by the way, means exit. The word is so little known, practical joker P.T. Barnum used to put up a sign at the circus that said: “To the Egress.” People followed the sign, thinking they were about to see some exotic animal, and suddenly found themselves in the street!!

So…back to our regulation:

Means of Egress: Ways of exit access and the doors to exit to which they lead shall be so designed and arranged as to be clearly recognizable as such. Hangings or draperies shall not be placed over exit doors or otherwise so located as to obscure any exit. Mirrors shall not be placed on exit doors. Mirrors shall not be placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the direction of the exit.

That was the old regulation. Here is a proposal for the new regulation:

Exit routes: An exit door must be free of signs or decorations that obscure its visibility.

That’s it. From 76 words to 14. But we still might be able to make it a bit better. The words “obscure its visibility” are a little like the old gobbledygook.” How about: “Don’t put up anything that makes it harder to see the exit door.” 

What are some plain language writing tips?

Plain language means writing to your readers. People are in a hurry. They skim and scan, looking for fast answers to their questions. That’s why it is important to quickly get to the point. Help your readers complete their tasks with these writing tips.

Write to your reader

Imagine your reader as an actual person. Do this by making a "persona." Now, write to that person. For example, a persona for an end user might be something like this:

“Meet Jane. She works for the Department of Natural Resources. In her daily work, Jane regularly types letters and documents in Microsoft Word and uploads them to the division's SharePoint site. She uses Outlook to coordinate emails and meetings.”

Focus on people

Help readers see themselves in the text. Use words like I, me, we, our, ours, you, your.

• Use personal pronouns or name the person
  • I am writing in response…
  • Suzy Smith will contact you…
  • You may copy this certificate…
• Use active voice, not passive:
  • Passive voice:
    • "We will be asking that all homeowners must complete Form C."
    • "Form C must be completed by all homeowners."
  • Active voice:
    • "All homeowners must complete Form C.
    • "You must complete Form C."

Use short, simple sentences

People rarely read letters, reports or web content word by word. Instead, they scan the page. Use the following tips to make sure your readers get your point:

• Start with the conclusion or the action the reader needs to take.
• Have one idea per paragraph.
• Use half the number of words you would use in conventional writing.
• Avoid unnecessary words:
  • Weak: The purpose of this letter is to tell you that we have accepted your claim…
  • Strong: We have accepted your claim…
  • Weak: There are three forms that must be completed.
  • Strong: You must fill out three forms.

Use words readers know

• Use short and simple words:
  • Stop not cease
  • Before not prior to
  • Get not procure
  • Keep not retain
• Don't use nouns that hide verbs:
  • Deny not denial
  • Maintain not maintenance
  • Assign not assignment
• Define acronyms
  • Spell out the first use of an acronym, followed by its abbreviation. You can use the abbreviated acronym in the rest of the document.
  • Examples:
    • "The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is published in a volume … ITIL describes processes …"
    • "The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) provides technical expertise. In an early release, the MPCA …"

Make the text visual

Make information stand out. Use:

• Bullets for lists,
• Numbers for steps, and
• Tables for data or parallel statements.

Format pages to help users

Use bold headings and white space to help users locate information.

Group similar information together and use white space around it.

How can I learn more about plain language?

There are many resources for writing in plain language. Here are a few.

• LinkedIn Learning offers a 42-minute course: Writing in Plain Language.
• The Minnesota Department of Revenue produced a video on plain language, “Introduction to Plain Language: Say it Simply.”
• PlainLanguage.gov is an official website of the United States government. This site includes:
  • Information on federal law and requirements.
  • Plain language guidelines. 
  • Lots of great resources, such as:
    • examples of plain language, 
    • training videos, 
    • and just for fun, some humorous examples of how not to write in plain language.