Plain language tools

The following tools will help you to write and edit webpages and other documents in Plain Language.

• Hemingway App
  • Copy and paste your text into the Hemingway App to highlight uses of the passive voice, long and complex sentences, common wordy phrases, and other opportunities for simplification
  • Note that there is a downloadable version available for sensitive documents
• Microsoft Word - add Readability statistics to your spell checker
  • Follow the instructions in the link to make Word display readability statistics including the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of your document
• plainlanguage.gov - U.S. government plain language resources
• Plain Language Checklist (PDF, 42.5KB)
  • A checklist to ensure that your webpage meets key accessibility, plain language, and style guidelines

Additional resources

Articles

The following articles discuss some of the research-based evidence supporting the benefits of plain language.

• Legibility, Readability, and Comprehension: Making Users Read Your Words - Nielsen Norman Group
• Plain Language is For Everyone, Even Experts - Nielsen Norman Group
• Plain Language: Its Effect on Organizational Performance - plainlanguage.gov
• Plain Language: The Bottom Line - plainlanguage.gov
• Inverted Pyramid: Writing for Comprehension - Nielsen Norman Group

Videos

The following videos help to explain the importance of plain language.

Related government programs

Plain Language supports the following B.C. government goals and values:

• Where Ideas Work
  • Plain language training builds internal capacity and improves competitiveness
  • Using Plain Language enhances service to citizens
• Accessibility
  • Plain Language is a part of building inclusive and accessible services and workplace
• BC Public Service Corporate Values:
  • Teamwork  
  • Accountability
  • Service
  • Integrity