Plain English - How: Difference between revisions

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==General Principles==
==General Principles==
====The fewer words the better.====
====The fewer words the better.====
===Organise your writing.====
====Keep sentences short.====
====Keep sentences short.====
====Keep subject, verb and object together====
====Keep subject, verb and object together====

Revision as of 16:58, 23 April 2016

General Principles

The fewer words the better.

Organise your writing.=

Keep sentences short.

Keep subject, verb and object together

Prefer the active voice

Keep it positive

  • Prefer positives to negatives.
  • Avoid double negatives.
  • Recoil in horror from triple negatives.

Definitions

Enumerations

  • Break into subparagraphs:
  • Branch right, not left:

Singular versus plural

Provisos

Bad habits

Shall

And/or

For the avoidance of doubt

Including, without limitation

The Counterparty may, but shall not be obliged to

Numbering

Style

  • Use strong verbs, instead of modified weaker ones. Prefer "bellowed" to "Shouted loudly".
  • Avoid wimpy writing: Avoid "almost", "seems to".