Goal: Encourage the use of familiar, everyday words to make writing clear, natural, and easy for readers to understand.
The words you choose shape how easily people understand your message and how long they will stick with you as readers. Using everyday language helps readers feel confident, not lost.
Whenever possible, choose simple words over technical or abstract ones. For example:
- Say “help” instead of “assist”
- Say “about” instead of “approximately”
- Say “start” instead of “commence”
This doesn’t mean removing necessary technical terms—but if you use them, explain them. Imagine how a friend or a neighbour would say the same thing.
Using familiar words doesn’t make your writing less serious. It makes it more useful. If people don’t understand what you’ve written, they can’t act on it.
Compare:
NO: “Eligible applicants may commence the procedure by submitting the requisite documentation.”
YES: “You can apply by sending the documents listed below.”
Tip: After writing something, read it aloud. If it sounds natural, you’re on the right track. If you yourself feel tired after reading the sentence, consider shortening it.