People-first language
When it comes to a chronic illness or disability, please remember to use people-first language. People-first language does not label someone as their disease.
Examples:
People living with or affected by obesity, not obese or fat people
People living with a mental health condition
Wheelchair users, not people in wheelchairs
People with AIDS, not AIDS victims
Gender-specific suffixes
Avoid the use of gender-specific suffixes such as -ess or -rix
Examples:
Aviator not aviatrix
Nurse not male nurse
Actor not actress
Chair or chairperson, not chairman
Manager not manageress
Comedian not comedienne
Writing in plain English
Writing in plain English is essential to effective communication, regardless of the audience. Plain language helps ensure that your message is clear and easy to understand, which is critical for ensuring that everyone can access and engage with your content.
To achieve plain language, it is important to avoid jargon, technical terms, and complicated sentence structures that can make it difficult for readers to understand. Instead, use simple language, short sentences, and clear formatting to make your content more accessible.
Here are some examples of what to do and what to avoid when writing in plain English:
What to do:
- Use simple words and avoid jargon or technical terms.
- Write short sentences that convey one idea at a time.
- Use active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging.
- Break up text with headings, bullet points, and other formatting to make it more scannable.
- Define any technical terms or acronyms you use in your content.
What to avoid:
- Using long, complicated sentences that are difficult to follow.
- Using technical language that your audience may not be familiar with.
- Overusing complex words or phrases that can confuse your readers.
- Using passive voice, which can make your writing sound impersonal or confusing.
In addition to making your writing more understandable, writing in plain English is also important from an accessibility standpoint. Many people with disabilities, such as dyslexia, visual impairments, or cognitive disabilities, may have difficulty understanding complex language or sentence structures.
Writing in plain English can help ensure that everyone can access and understand your content, regardless of their ability level.
In summary, writing in plain English is essential for effective communication. By using simple language, short sentences, and clear formatting, you can make your content more accessible and engaging for all readers.