Plain English is an editing style that is now widely followed in business, government, and non-fiction publishing.

Plain English is clear English:  The main goal in writing is to put your message across clearly and concisely. Readers want an effortless, readable and clear writing style. Plain English is clear English – it is simple and direct but not simplistic.  

Plain English respects the reader:  Plain English is clear, straightforward expression, using only as many words as are necessary. It is language that avoids obscurity, inflated vocabulary and convoluted sentence construction. It is not reduced below an adult level nor is it a simplified version of the English language. Writers and editors of Plain English present words that allow their audience to concentrate on the message instead of being distracted by complicated language or poor formatting.

Brookeline's Checklist for Plain English writing/editing: 

1. Think of your reader’s needs for ease of reading and enhanced findability/retention.
2. Organize your content to best present your point.
3. Write in a natural style as if you were talking to the reader; choose use of the first-person wisely.
4. Generally use short sentences but vary your sentence lengths for interest.
5. Use active verbs but avoid over-hyping the tone of the tale.
6. Work with hierarchy of information presentation to first present a general thought and then become specific. Explain things with interesting and valid specifics as appropriate.
7. Eliminate redundant words and phrases, not always by fully removing them but also by rewriting concepts in a variety of ways.
8. Where appropriate, use simpler words rather than complex words or phrases.
9. Minimize the unnecessary use of jargon and cliches.
10. Edit thoroughly (an unedited portion will stick out like a sore thumb) but respectfully of the writer's voice.

LEARNING MORE:

Official Definition of PLAIN ENGLISH (developed by the legal profession, 1987)

"`Plain English' involves the use of plain, straightforward language which avoids ... defects and conveys its meaning as clearly and simply as possible, without unnecessary pretension or embellishment. It is to be contrast that with convoluted, repetitive and prolix language.

The adoption of a Plain English style demands simply that a document be written in a style which readily conveys its message to its audience.

However, Plain English is not concerned simply with the forms of language. Because its theme is communication, it calls for improvements in the organisation of the material and the method by which it is presented.

It requires that material is presented in a sequence which the audience would expect and which helps the audience absorb the information.

It also requires the document's design be as attractive as possible in order to assist readers to find their way through it."