Writing in Plain English
Written by Pat Wootton, PromptProofing.com
Still revisiting some former topics, we return to the idea of improving your writing style by writing in plain English.
Writing in Plain English
Still revisiting some former topics, we return to the idea of improving your writing style by writing in plain English.
Are you tired of reading jargonistic prose that obscures meaning? Using legalistic jargon - or any other professional jargon, for that matter - may make you seem educated but it doesn't actually help you communicate efficiently. The ultimate purpose of writing is to communicate and good grammar is concerned with clarity, not obfuscation!
I am indebted to The Canadian Style - A guide to writing and editing for the following example of how to communicate clearly - and how not to!
Example 1:
It is incumbent upon applicants who do not possess a status of landed immigrant or permanent resident prior to the submission of their application to communicate with the appropriate Immigration Centre in order to take the necessary steps to obtain such a status.
Clear as mud? Now try...Example 2:
You must be a landed immigrant or permanent resident to apply. To find out how to become a landed immigrant or permanent resident, contact an Immigration Centre (the addresses are given on page 6).
Not only is the second version easier to understand, it is well punctuated and actually offers helpful advice.
Writing in plain English also means avoiding redundancy. Some examples of phrases that could (should?) be eliminated from your writing and replaced with a single word:
at this point in time - now
give consideration to - consider
in the wake of - following
conduct an investigation into - investigate
in the very near future - soon
due to the fact that - because
in the absence of - without
plan in advance - plan/prepare
in a general sense - generally
in regard of - regarding
in recognition of - recognizing
The list could go on and on, no doubt readers will have their own examples of this type of verbiage...if so, share (on Twitter or Facebook).
And remember - keep it simple!
Check back next Friday for another Prompt Proofing blog post!
About the Author
Pat Wootton is originally from England and is a former high school English teacher. Having spent many years in the Caribbean, where she raised her family, she now lives in Vancouver, BC. In addition, she has taught English as a Second Language (ESL) for several years after earning a diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of British Columbia. She now owns and runs Prompt Proofing, a copy editing and writing service that caters to both individuals and businesses.
