Plain Language and Community Review
Clear in English First, Clear in Every Language After
More than half of US adults read below a sixth-grade level. We rewrite notices, letters and web pages in plain language, then test them with the communities who will read them.
See the Difference
The Same Message, Made Readable
- Before · grade 14
"Failure to submit the requisite documentation within the prescribed timeframe may result in the termination of benefits pursuant to applicable program regulations."
- After · grade 6
"Send us your papers by June 30. If we do not get them, your benefits may stop."
Plain English also cuts translation costs: fewer words to translate and fewer questions from translators.
What We Offer
Writing, Testing and Training
Plain Language Rewrite
Notices, letters, forms and web pages rewritten to the Federal Plain Language Guidelines.
Readability Scoring
Before and after grade levels for your reports and grant files.
Community Review
Paid reviewers from the community read the translation and tell us what is unclear.
Transcreation
Outreach campaigns rewritten for each culture, not just translated word for word.
Inclusive Language Review
Checks for gender-inclusive, person-first and culturally respectful wording in every language.
Staff Training
Half-day workshops that teach your team to write clearly from the start.
Community Review
Tested by the People You Want to Reach
A correct translation can still miss. Community reviewers catch words that sound formal, foreign or confusing, before your message goes out.
Recruit
We recruit and pay reviewers through local community organizations.
Review
Short sessions in person or online, in the reviewer’s language.
Revise and Report
We update the text and give you a summary of what changed and why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Legal Review Still Approve It?
Yes. We keep required legal language and mark every change, so counsel can approve quickly.
Is This Required?
The Plain Writing Act of 2010 covers federal agencies, and many states and health plans set their own reading-level rules.
Can You Do This in Other Languages?
Yes. Our linguists write plain language directly in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and many more.
Send Us Your Hardest Notice
We will rewrite the first page for free so you can see the difference.