#30plainwords for IPLDay

I celebrated International Plain Language Day 2015 by posting #30plainwords—one each day for the 30 days leading up to Oct 13. We can all use plain language resources. As words are at the heart of plain language, this list can be a starting point. It may be the beginning of a style guide for your organization, encouraging people to choose their words carefully.

Don't Use, Choose

1. anticipate, expect
2. attempt, try
3. As a consequence of, because
4. accordingly, so
5.commence, start
6.consequently, so
7.demonstrate, show
8.determine, decide
9. expedite, speed up
10.in the event of, if
11.facilitate, help
12.however, but
13.in accordance with, with
14.in relation to, due to
15.in the amount of, for
16.it is requested, please
17.at this point in time, now
18.modify, change
19. numerous, many
20. operate, use
21.prioritize, order
22.for the purpose of, for
23.prior to, before
24.regarding, about
25.represents, is
26. subsequently, after or then
27.therefore, so
28.transmit, send
29. with reference to, about
30. our office, we

Remember: Every word counts, and costs.

Take the #WriteClearly2015 Challenge. Choose a document or project for your organization to change to plain language. Set up a team. Draw up a plan. Test it. And, learn from it. Then keep going. But, if it's possible, post your before and after documents and share the link on Twitter with the hashtag #WriteClearly2015. join our IPlainDay Oct 13 tweet-up 9amPT #talkplain2015.