Common Objections to Plain Language

We don’t have time.

It does take a little longer to write using plain language, but the more you use it, the easier it gets. The time will be well spent because your materials will be more effective.

It will insult people who read well.

Materials written for adults should not be childish or insulting to anyone. If they are clear and easy to read, they will have the greatest benefit for people who don’t read well. But people who do read well can find out what they want to know more quickly from material that is clear, focused on the main ideas, and well designed. Nobody will complain about that.

Literacy is not a problem for our audience.

This may be true, but it is becoming clearer that literacy is a problem for more people than we had realized. Any material that is written for the general public should be clear and easy to read, since as many as 42% of Canadian adults have difficulty using print to get information.

What we have to say can’t be written simply — we have to use technical language.

Some material is written for a special audience that has the background to understand technical language, or specific terms. But when material is written for the public, the writer must explain those terms so that more people can understand. If it’s important for the audience to know the terms, then define them and use them consistently. That way the audience will have a better chance of understanding. If the words or terms are not essential, then choose a more common word that will get the idea across, even if it’s not quite as precise.

I’m paid to write — my writing is fine.

Chances are this person is right, but the material she or he produces may not be useful for a wide audience. You can apply the techniques of plain language and design in all forms of writing, but they are most useful when you want to expand your audience to include as many people as possible.

It costs too much.

Studies in the U.S. and Britain have shown that clear writing saves money. The text is often shorter because it sticks to the point and staff spend less time answering questions and dealing with complaints.

Insurance companies in the U.S., U.K. and Australia report that customer relations have improved dramatically and profitability has increased as a result of using plain language.