plain writing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain writing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to writing that is clear, straightforward, and free of jargon or complex language. Example: "The report should be in plain writing so that all stakeholders can easily understand the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Plain Writing Act of 2010.

Columbia University

While plain writing is considered a stylistic virtue, plain spelling is a vice.

The Guardian - Opinion

As shown by his frequent praise of plain writing, Leonard disliked the idea of style.

The Guardian - Books

How does such plain writing come with such powerful insights into dark corridors of the human mind?

The Guardian - Books

"Nearly everyone involved in the response failed to see some fairly plain writing on the wall," said the report, obtained by the Associated Press.

The Guardian

"Nearly everyone involved in the outbreak response failed to see some fairly plain writing on the wall," says a draft internal document obtained by the Associated Press.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

That is what The Times requires of all Op-Ed columnists, in plain, written language.

The New York Times

Eighteen-year-old Elizabeth Collier, a white Carolinian living on the coastal plain, wrote, "Quick oh God! Save us from the enemy.

The New York Times

The first book out of the Kelmscott Press, which was named for Morris country house, in Gloucestershire, was "Story of the Glittering Plain," written by Morris & printed in Golden type, which he designed.

The New Yorker

"Twenty-five yeago ago we held a New Year's Eve gambling party where we wagered pennies, made sure the 'house' won, and sent the Neediest Fund a $50 contribution," Evelyn and Nick Beilenson of White Plains wrote in a letter.

The New York Times

Margot Gerster of White Plains wrote on Facebook that after "feeling so heartbroken since yesterday's election", she hoped to relax by taking her young daughter and her dog hiking on Thursday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a broad audience, prioritize "plain writing". Avoid jargon, technical terms, and overly complex sentence structures to ensure your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid the temptation to use sophisticated language when "plain writing" will suffice. Sometimes, writers mistakenly believe that complex language adds credibility, but it often creates confusion and alienates readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain writing" functions primarily as a descriptive term, often acting as an adjective modifying the noun "writing". According to Ludwig AI, it characterizes a style of writing that is easily understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plain writing" refers to writing that is clear, straightforward, and easily understood. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business communications, and academic settings. Prioritizing "plain writing" involves avoiding jargon, using simple sentence structures, and focusing on clarity over complexity. Alternatives include "clear writing" and "simple writing". The goal is to ensure that your message is accessible to a broad audience and minimizes the risk of misinterpretation. Remember, "plain writing" is about making your message understandable, not dumbing it down.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clear writing

Replaces "plain" with "clear", emphasizing ease of understanding.

Simple writing

Focuses on the uncomplicated nature of the writing.

Straightforward writing

Highlights the directness and lack of ambiguity in the writing.

Uncomplicated writing

Similar to "simple writing", stressing the absence of complexity.

Easy-to-understand writing

Explicitly states the writing is designed for easy comprehension.

Accessible writing

Emphasizes that the writing is available and understandable to a broad audience.

Jargon-free writing

Highlights the absence of technical or specialized language.

Lucid writing

Focuses on the clarity and transparency of the writing.

Concise writing

Emphasizes brevity and avoidance of unnecessary words.

Direct writing

Highlights the writing's straightforward approach and lack of indirection.

FAQs

How can I ensure my writing is "plain"?

Focus on using short sentences, common words, and avoiding jargon. Read your writing aloud to identify any confusing sections, and consider using a readability checker to assess its complexity.

What are the benefits of using "plain writing"?

"Plain writing" enhances clarity, improves comprehension, and reduces the risk of misinterpretation. This approach is particularly beneficial when communicating complex information to a diverse audience.

Is "plain writing" the same as dumbing down my message?

No, "plain writing" is about clarity, not simplification to the point of inaccuracy. It involves presenting information in a clear and straightforward manner, without sacrificing depth or detail. Consider "accessible writing" instead.

When is it appropriate to use "plain writing" versus more complex language?

"Plain writing" is ideal for public documents, instructions, and any communication where broad understanding is crucial. More complex language may be appropriate for specialized audiences or academic contexts.