How do I write in plain language?
Last updated on June 26, 2025Writing in plain language is a process. It can be broken down into five components:
- Audience and purpose – Know who you're writing for and why
- Structure – Organize your ideas in a clear, logical way
- Design – Make your text easy to read and navigate
- Expression – Use everyday words and a natural tone
- Evaluation – Test and improve your writing
Explore each step
The pages in this section explore each of these in depth. Complete the exercises to develop your plain language skills.
Start with the first component: Audience and purpose.
Start with the first component
Remember accessibility guidelines
Plain Language is one aspect of website accessibility, but all aspects are important.
Remember:
- Use tables for tabular data only
- Don't link headings to other pages
- Do not use empty paragraph blocks or other special spacing
- Use images appropriately
How to begin changing text to plain language
Follow these tips to start converting existing pages to Plain Language:
- Read and follow the B.C. government Plain Language Guide
- If you're not ready to delete it, start by moving less important content to lower-level pages