Plain language

What is plain language?

Plain language is a writing approach that has been supported by an ISO standard since 2023.

Its essence is simple. It involves adapting documents to the needs of the people who will be reading them. This way, we make sure that the intended audience can read, understand, and use them easily.

To achieve this, the plain language principles require us to pay particular attention to:

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The choice of information

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The organization and visual presentation of information

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The wording of information

Who uses plain language

More and more organizations and businesses around the world are using plain language to make sure they communicate clearly. They come from the public sector, as well as the private and non-profit sectors.

These organizations and businesses have one thing in common: they do their best to make their communications accessible to the people they write to.

In Quebec, the website quebec.ca is a good example of the use of plain language.

Plain language pays off!

Plain language is the key to make a good first impression

The first contact people have with you is often through your website or your documents.

Using plain language also means paying attention to the way your communications look. To make a good first impression, they should look accessible and easy to browse. This way, you make people want to read them.

Plain language enhances your credibility

By using plain language, you make sure that the information is presented in a way that answers your audience’s questions.

This shows that you are attentive to their needs, which fosters trust.

Plain language makes communicating efficient

By communicating clearly, you make it easier for people to understand and use the information they need.

You could even save time and money because you will notice:

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Fewer calls for clarification

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Fewer unnecessary back and forths

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Fewer incomplete forms received

Plain language democratizes access to information

By making your information accessible, you make sure that the people you want to reach have access to the information, regardless of their reading ability. This supports their decision-making and empowers them.

An ISO standard
for plain language

ISO 24495-1 provides a framework for the practice of plain language. It is intended for anyone who creates documents. It provides principles and guidelines applicable to almost all written languages.

All the services we offer comply with this standard.

ISO is the International Organization for Standardization. It issues quality standards in a variety of fields. The standards developed by ISO are the results of international consensus.