"The language of the draft Bill, is in itself, simple and reasonably untechnical, and as such is to be welcomed: but the question is whether the simplicity is apparent rather than real …"²⁹

The translation of documents drafted in a traditional style into plain language is the customary way in which proponents of plain language seek to illustrate its benefits. A (or more appropriately "The") leading expert in the plain language field, Martin Cutts has carried out numerous translations of legislation drafted in the traditional way. On an initial glance, the translations are always easier to read and more straightforward. Or is this a classic case of simplicity being more apparent than real?

The translation of documents drafted in the traditional style, into plain language also exposes weaknesses in the use of plain language. The conversion of legislative passages into plain language often has the unintended effect of changing the meaning of legislation. However, plain language proponents would dismiss any suggestion that this is a fatal flaw which renders plain language unsuitable for legislative drafting. Rather, they contend that these changes in meaning only occur because non-drafters, whose minds are set on simplicity rather than accuracy, nearly always carry out these re-drafts/conversions.³⁰ In 1993, Martin Cutts³¹ translated the U.K. Timeshare Act 1992 into plain language, with the acknowledged assistance of a leading international law firm. The translation was subject to considerable criticism from the Parliamentary Counsel who drafted the Act, Euan Sutherland.³² In his opinion, the translation had resulted in considerably altering the meaning of many of the provisions of the Act. It had omitted some provisions and had rendered the Act misleading is some respects. However, these matters were addressed in the second edition.³³