zero·style

Dictionary entry

plain language

View related-term graphUse in a brief
Was this helpful?
UI / UXCurated · verified

Writing that ordinary readers can understand the first time through — short sentences, everyday words, and no needless jargon. The goal is clarity for the reader, not dumbing the content down.

Synonyms

  • plain english
  • plain writing

Related terms

In plain words

  • writing so anyone can get it
  • no jargon, just clear words

Usage example

Government sites use plain language so a notice reads 'You must reply by 30 June,' not 'Responses are requisite by the aforementioned date.'

Don't confuse with…

  • readabilityReadability is a measurable score of how easy text is to read; plain language is the practice of writing clearly for your audience.

Categories

  • Content & UX writing

Related-term graph

Two hops from plain language — click a term to open its entry, or re-center the graph on it

Focus term

Directly related

Two hops away

  • Relatedplain language related of content design
  • Relatedplain language related of readability
  • Relatedplain language related of scannability
  • Relatedreadability related of content design
  • Relatedscannability related of content design
  • Relatedcontent design related of content strategy
  • Relatedscannability related of front-loading
  • Relatedcontent design related of microcopy
  • Relatedreadability related of plain language
  • Relatedcontent design related of plain language
  • Relatedscannability related of plain language
  • Relatedscannability related of readability
  • Relatedreadability related of scannability
  • Relatedcontent design related of voice and tone

Stop describing. Start naming.

Turn a plain-language description into a designer-ready brief in minutes.

Start a brief