Plain language guidelines

 
 

What is plain language?

 

Simple words, easy to follow, that's plain language. It helps everyone understand the information on your CT.gov website.

When you write in plain language, more people can find the information they need and take action without getting confused.

Avoid complex words, government jargon, and long explanations. The clearer your content, the more successful your users will be.

Three objectives of plain language 

   

If your content meets these three objectives, you have likely written in plain language. Nice work!

  • Objective #1: Help the user find what they need. “Visit the DMV website to learn how to register your vehicle.”
  • Objective #2: Help them understand what they find. “Here, on the DMV Vehicle Registration page, you can pay your registration fees.”
  • Objective #3: Help them use what they find to meet their needs. “Have your driver’s license and vehicle registration number handy when you’re ready to fill out the online form.”

Four steps to write plainly 

 

CT.gov best practices suggest writing for a 6th grade reading level or below.

 
Step 1: Keep it simple
  • Clarity is an ethical imperative and people deserve to understand what their government is telling them. Give users content that’s concise and clear.
  • For tips on how to set up your page for the best user experience, visit On-page Content Structure.
  • Want an easy way to make sure your content reads at a 6th Grade reading level? Use the Hemingway Editor.
 
Step 2: Avoid complex words
 
Step 3: Write like you talk
  • When creating content, write like you’d talk to a regular person.
  • Use everyday language, like “help” and “use,” instead of “assist” and “utilize.”
  • Address the reader as “you” and refer to your agency as “we.”
  • Use contractions like “you’ll” and “can’t.”
 
Step 4: Write in active voice
  • Always use active voice in your writing to help you "write like you talk." Active sentences are stronger, clearer, and more trustworthy.
  • According to Mary Dash, “Active voice clearly identifies the action and who is performing that action. Unfortunately, much of government writing is in the passive voice, giving documents a wordy, bureaucratic tone.”

Example 1:

  • Correct: [Active] Applicants can file an appeal if they disagree.
  • Incorrect: [Passive] An appeal can be filed by an applicant if they disagree.

Example 2:

  • Correct: [Active] The usher told us where our seats were.
  • Incorrect: [Passive] We were told by the usher where our seats were.
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Plain language is the future of Ct.gov!

See more examples of plain language in action, join the plain language community, and get plain language training now!

Related pages

Voice, tone and audience 

Focus on the one essential thing you want your audience to remember after reading your content.

Accessibility best practices 

Build inclusive websites that are accessible to people with diverse abilities.

Inclusivity best practices 

Inclusive web content removes bias and assumptions from a website so that users won’t feel excluded.