Plain English - How

From The Jolly Contrarian
Jump to navigation Jump to search

General Principles

The fewer words the better.

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".