Plain Language Checker: Make Your Writing Clear and Accessible

Ever felt lost reading a government notice or a healthcare guide? That’s often the result of complex writing. Plain language means using simple words and short sentences to make ideas easy to understand. And the Plain Language Checker helps you achieve just that.

For anyone writing public documents—whether you’re working in government, healthcare, or public policy—keeping it clear is essential. Plain language makes sure your message lands with every reader, not just a few. Let’s break down how this tool works and why it’s a game-changer.

What Does "Plain Language" Mean?

Plain language is straightforward writing. It replaces tricky words with simpler ones and swaps out long sentences for clear, direct ones. Think of it like explaining something to a friend. You’d skip the jargon and keep it to the point.

For instance, instead of “implement the standardized operational protocol,” plain language would say, “follow the set process.” No fluff, just the essentials.

For a quick way to check if your writing is clear, try our Fog Index Calculator along with the Plain Language Checker.

Why Use a Plain Language Checker?

To Reach More People

Plain language opens the door for everyone to understand, not just experts. The Plain Language Checker finds complex words, long sentences, and hard-to-read phrases. This is crucial for government and healthcare texts where clarity affects public trust and understanding.

Want to check if your content fits your audience’s reading level? Use our Grade Level Checker to see if it’s the right fit.

To Build Trust

Clear writing builds trust. Imagine receiving medical advice full of jargon—it feels confusing, even intimidating. Plain language makes the message friendly, easy, and trustworthy. The Plain Language Checker highlights areas that need a little “de-jargoning,” so your readers feel informed, not lost.

How to Use the Plain Language Checker

Step 1: Paste Your Text

Copy and paste your text into the checker. It scans and flags tricky words, jargon, or long sentences that could use a refresh.

Step 2: Review Highlights

The tool will mark any complex words or lengthy sentences. Each mark is a nudge to simplify. For example, instead of “utilize,” try “use.” Instead of “commence,” try “start.”

If long sentences are flagged, try the Sentence Length Analyzer Tool to break things down even more.

Step 3: Make Revisions and Re-check

Rewrite tricky spots and check again to make sure it’s easy to follow. A final run-through ensures that every sentence is as clear as it can be.

Want help making sentences more active? Use our Passive Voice Detector Tool to keep your writing sharp and engaging.

Real-World Examples: Simplifying with Plain Language

Example 1: Replacing Jargon

Original: “Patients are advised to adhere to the prescribed post-operative protocol to mitigate complications.”

Revised: “Patients should follow recovery steps to avoid problems.”

By cutting “adhere” and “mitigate,” the message is clearer.

Example 2: Shortening Long Sentences

Original: “The policy was enacted to facilitate equitable distribution of resources among underrepresented communities, thereby promoting social equity.”

Revised: “The policy aims to share resources fairly and promote social equality.”

The revised sentence gets right to the point.

Quick Tips for Writing in Plain Language

Use Simple, Everyday Words

Plain language swaps complex terms for everyday words. Instead of “implement,” say “start.” Instead of “subsequent,” try “next.” These small changes add up to big improvements in readability.

Want to check if your vocabulary is a fit for your audience? Our Reading Level Analyzer can help.

Keep Sentences Short

Long sentences can be a barrier to understanding. Breaking ideas into shorter sentences keeps readers on track and makes your message easier to follow. Bullet points are also great for instructions or lists!

Go for Active Voice

Active voice is direct. Instead of “The guidelines were approved by the committee,” say, “The committee approved the guidelines.” Active sentences are easier to read and understand.

Need help spotting passive voice? Our Passive Voice Detector Tool makes it easy to catch and fix passive sentences.

When to Use a Plain Language Checker

Here are a few cases where plain language can be a big help:

Healthcare Communication

Medical information is often loaded with technical terms. A Plain Language Checker helps health professionals simplify this, ensuring patients know exactly what to do and why it matters.

Government and Policy Documents

Government documents affect the public, so they should be easy to understand. Overly complex language can create barriers. A Plain Language Checker ensures policies and announcements are clear, so people understand how they’re impacted.

Educational and Instructional Content

When creating educational material, plain language helps people understand and learn. Using a Plain Language Checker ensures that information isn’t just presented but absorbed.

Benefits of Using a Plain Language Checker

Using plain language goes beyond making things “easier to read.” Here’s how it strengthens your writing:

• Better Access: Plain language means anyone can follow along, no matter their background.
• Increased Trust: Simple writing shows you value your readers and their time.
• Higher Engagement: When readers don’t struggle to understand, they stay interested.
• Improved Compliance: Clear instructions make it easier for people to take action, especially with healthcare or policy guidelines.

Other Tools to Perfect Your Writing

To make your writing even clearer, try combining the Plain Language Checker with these tools:

Readability Calculator Tool

Our Readability Calculator Tool offers multiple readability scores, giving you a full view of how accessible your content is. It’s a great companion to the Plain Language Checker.

Sentence Length Analyzer Tool

Long sentences can be a hurdle. Our Sentence Length Analyzer Tool highlights lengthy sentences that might need breaking down.

Passive Voice Detector Tool

Active writing keeps things direct and clear. The Passive Voice Detector Tool finds passive phrases, helping you tighten your language.

Why Plain Language is Key to Strong Communication

Plain language isn’t about simplifying ideas; it’s about simplifying the words around those ideas. When writing is clear, readers can focus on the message, not the wording. This is vital in public-facing documents, where trust and transparency count.

Using plain language shows respect for your readers. When information is easy to understand, people are more likely to engage with it and feel confident in their understanding.

Final Thoughts: Start Writing with Clarity Using the Plain Language Checker

The Plain Language Checker is a vital tool for anyone who wants to communicate clearly and effectively. It keeps your writing approachable and easy to follow. From healthcare instructions to government policies, plain language helps readers stay informed and engaged.

Ready to make your writing clear and accessible? Try the Plain Language Checker along with our Readability Calculator Tool and Sentence Length Analyzer Tool for a well-rounded approach to accessible writing.