Plain Language Alternatives Template 1
Phrase swap: “in order to” → “to”; “with regard to” → “about”; “a large number of” → “many.”
4 Plain Language Alternatives Templates
Start with structure, then replace every placeholder with information that is true, relevant, and natural for your context. These templates are intentionally skeletal so your final writing does not sound mass-produced.
Use the framework
How to personalize a template
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.
- 1Choose the template closest to your actual purpose.
- 2Replace every bracketed field with specific information.
- 3Delete any sentence that does not belong in your situation.
- 4Read the result aloud for unnatural transitions or repeated phrasing.
- 5Verify names, dates, links, facts, and promises before sending or publishing.
Plain Language Alternatives Template 2
Noun-to-verb: “conduct an evaluation of [X]” → “evaluate [X].”
Plain Language Alternatives Template 3
Passive-to-active: “[Action] must be completed by [actor]” → “[Actor] must [action].”
Plain Language Alternatives Template 4
Technical term: [term] ([plain definition]) on first use; use [term] consistently thereafter.