1
Instead of “utilize,” use “use” when no technical distinction is intended.
8 Plain Language Alternatives Examples
Use these examples to study structure, specificity, tone, and variation. They are demonstrations—not claims about a real person or organization unless the example itself makes that explicit.
Before you copy
What to notice in the examples
Good plain language reduces decoding effort without oversimplifying the subject, deleting required legal or technical detail, or changing the level of certainty and obligation in the original statement.
- Prefer common verbs over noun-heavy phrases.
- Put the actor before the action when responsibility matters.
- Replace long stock phrases with shorter equivalents.
- Keep technical terms when they are necessary, then define them once in accessible language.
2
Instead of “prior to,” use “before.”
3
Instead of “in the event that,” use “if.”
4
Instead of “at this point in time,” use “now.”
5
Instead of “make a determination,” use “decide.”
6
Instead of “provide assistance to,” use “help.”
7
Instead of “due to the fact that,” use “because.”
8
Instead of “users are required to provide verification,” use “you must verify your account” when direct address and obligation are appropriate.
Keep the underlying decision or pattern, then replace the subject, evidence, relationship, constraints, and tone with details that belong to your situation. If your final line still works after swapping only one noun, it may be too close to the example.