Plain English (sometimes referred to more broadly as plain language) is a generic term for communicating in English that emphasizes clarity, brevity, and avoiding technical language—particularly relating to official government or business communication. It uses simple, familiar words instead of lengthy, formal words, avoids jargon, prefers positive words to negative words, and prefers strong verbs to be verbs.
This is a list of plain English words and phrases and the more lengthy, formal words for which they are recommended as replacements in writing guides. The problem word is listed first; the plain English alternative follows.
