Plain English creates simple, clear communication and helps to avoid unnecessary grammar errors. While it is often used in business writing, plain English can be used in any instance to convey a specific point.
How to achieve plain English
Embellished language must be avoided to achieve plain English. Big, professional sounding words have a place, but they are not always useful as these often distract readers from the point being made. To check for embellished language read for words that can be simplified. Sentences with lofty words may begin to sound awkward and will stand out, especially when read aloud.
Examples:
Embellished: Upon John’s arrival, I aided him in producing his bags from the Jetta.
Plain: When John arrived, I helped him get his bags from the car.
Embellished: When conversing among your companions, utilize colloquial language.
Plain: When talking with friends, use ordinary language.
Practice ↓
Rewrite the following sentences in plain English:
Enclosed, please find a letter of reference for your perusal in selecting the appropriate candidate. ____
As per your request, we will forward your mail to your most recent place of residence. ____
I am cognizant of the fact that there will be a lecture with regard to grammar in my English class. ____
These skills will aid me in performing the task of omitting verbose language from my end of term paper. ____
Before physical education class commences, our teacher informs us that we have to provide her with the necessary currency for our class trip. ____
Back in my youthful days, when I was roughly as many years old as you are now, we did not have any cellular devices to send these short text based messages to acquaintances. ____
Superfluous and frivolous language can be too convoluted for your reader to comprehend. ____
There are a plethora of easier methods to convey the connotation of an idea. ____
I have been having these horrifying nighttime images appear to me in my sleep lately. ____
The feline was frightened by the canine. ____
Answers ↓
Enclosed is a letter of reference for your perusal i̶n̶ ̶s̶e̶l̶e̶c̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶a̶p̶p̶r̶o̶p̶r̶i̶a̶t̶e̶ ̶c̶a̶n̶d̶i̶d̶a̶t̶e̶.
As requested, we will forward your mail to your most recent address.
I am aware o̶f̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶f̶a̶c̶t̶ that there will be a lecture on grammar in my English class.
These skills will help me omit wordy language from my e̶n̶d̶ ̶o̶f̶ term paper.
Before gym class begins, our teacher informs us that we have to provide her with money for our class trip.
When I was your age, we did not have cellphones to send texts.
Complicated language can be too confusing for your reader to understand.
There are many methods to convey the meaning of an idea.
I have been having t̶h̶e̶s̶e̶ horrifying nightmares i̶n̶ ̶m̶y̶ ̶s̶l̶e̶e̶p̶ lately.
The dog scared the cat.
