This accreditation tells the reader that the books clarity has been independently assessed by an expert. Day to day, the banks execute the banking and consumer protection laws enacted by congress and the regulatory policies adopted by the board of governors. Aug 05, 2015 writing in plain english is important when communicating with others in a business setting. This plain english handbook was a required supplement in one of my college english classes in the 1960s, and i have used it for many years in its various editions. Plain english is quicker to write, faster to read, and puts messages across more often, more easily, and in friendlier ways. At this stage of the process, a number of definitions were tested with linguists and. Plain english manual office of parliamentary counsel. It uses short, clear sentences and everyday words without unnecessary jargon. Mar, 2018 plain english, it turns out, is the product of craft. Benchmarking is a process whereby one organisation will compare itself.
In the united states, the movement towards plain language legal writing began with the 1963 book language of the law, by david mellinkoff. During the month of december, well be discussing the topic of plain english. Earn a plain english diploma with a 12month course that gives you the skills to pass on our principles. However, the movement was popularized by richard wydicks 1979 book plain english for lawyers. Writing in plain english is important when communicating with others in a business setting. The guide then looks at the main ways to make writing clearer. David mellinkoffs book, the language of the law, pointed out the many absurdities of traditional legalese. Our mission is to explain complex ideas in simple terms. List of plain english words legalism plain english as to about, of, by, for, in bring an action against sue herein in this inasmuch as since, because instant case here, this case in the event that if not less than at least prior to before pursuan t to under, by, in accordance with said adjective the, this, that. Plain language plain english in contract recitals and boilerplate by george h. Everybody knows this or should, but why should plain english be used. In plain english has over three decades of experience working with very diverse clients throughout the nation. The a to z guide to legal phrases plain english campaign. Two suggestions on your plain english page, where you say.
As cedric the saxon then was, his plain english tale needed no garnish from french troubadours, when it was told in the ear of beauty. This is a great book for a quick grammar reference. Having launched it originally in 2004 we have now updated it with modern terminology to meet with the increasing demand for the book. Among other things, instant search is enabled, and there are hotlinks to related terms. Lets be clear though, its not about making things boring its about maximising the number of people who will read, absorb and act on your words. In plain english definition at, a free online dictionary with pronunciation, synonyms and translation. We can train you how to use plain english or we can do it for you, with a plain english makeover of anything you write. First, try just during december the month of is redundant. The importance of writing in plain english target training. Regional structure of the federal reserve system in plain. Plain language in plain english clearly explains the fundamental elements of plain language and its benefits for everyone inside and outside the workplace. Definition and examples of plain english thoughtco. This manual has the status of a drafting direction, although there are some. Zoxford guide to plain english, by martin utts the ogpe.
Simply put words and phrases to avoid plain english ireland. In plain english explaining complex stuff in plain english. The earths layers in plain english a plain english lesson and worksheets differentiated for english learners and reluctant readers. Plain english article about plain english by the free. The structure of the federal reserve system has adapted to changing population patterns by adding federal reserve districts across the country. Dictionary merriamwebsters chinese english dictionary merriamwebster. Using plain english assures the orderly and clear presentation of complex information so that investors have the best possible chance of understanding it.
President clinton formalized the requirement in june 1998 with a presidential memorandum. Plain english or laymans terms is language that is intended to be clear and concise. When congress created the federal reserve system in 19, the country was divided into 12 districts. A plain object, surface, or fabric is entirely in one colour and has no pattern, design.
Pivotal events in the plain english movement in michigan date back to the development of court forms by the district judges forms committee in the mid1970s. The goal of plain language translation is to increase accessibility for those with lower literacy levels. Plain english is a style of writing that enables the reader to understand the message the first time they read it. Reserve banks carry out the feds policies at a regional level. Research shows that using plain english can save time and money. We do this by focusing on what the idea can do for us, not on how it works. Developed as a component of the toyota production system tps, this tool is based on the premise that in order to get. The internet is full of great explanations of how things work, what we often overlook is why the concept matters and what it can do for us as people, organisations, and society. How to write in plain english plain english campaign.
In the menu below, we include some common complicated words and longwinded phrases and suggested alternatives. Unfortunately, i lost my copy and searched for another. But there are still legal phrases that baffle nonlawyers. For printed and online publications usually books and manuals your book could carry the accreditation of a plain english book mark. Benchmarking is a process whereby one organisation will compare itself to another, or to multiple other organisations. The most obvious reason why is to ensure your message is being understood exactly as you meant it. Plain definition and meaning collins english dictionary. Hathaway he michigan institute of continuing legal education has recently published an excellent book, michigan contract law, edited by john trentacosta. Plain englishor plain languageis a message written for the reader in a style that is clear and concise. The a z of alternative words plain english campaign. This guide gives hundreds of plain english alternatives to the pompous words and phrases that litter official writing. On its own the guide wont teach you how to write in plain english. Law dictionary search more than 10,000 legal words and phrases for clear definitions written in plain language.
Using plain english, writers should select simple words. Where does your money come from and how do you spend it. Which one you choose depends on why youre writing and who your reader is, but for most everyday tasks such as writing letters or reports, plain english. On this page you will find a growing list of resources regarding this topic. There are many different writing styles formal, informal, narrative fiction, journalistic, academic and so on. In plain english definition of in plain english by the free. A plain english measure of financial reporting readability. Plain english is rapidly becoming the global standard for business writing. Continuum plain english language reference april, 2004 andover controls part number. The az of alternative words plain english campaign. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Just plain english, september 1981, was written in the office of the chief of naval operations op09br, washington, d. We can train you how to use plain english or we can do it for you, with a. This az pocket guide to understanding financial terms is just one of the achievements of ebss partnership with nala. A modern plain english movement did not really arise until the 1970s. Can a colon be used to join two words into a single compound word. Dot your is and cross your ts in this study of english grammar. The guide is an important resource that will help to create a much greater understanding of.
It is quicker to write, faster to read, and puts messages across more often, more easily, and in friendlier ways. The book discusses the substantive law of contracts in michigan in a clear, easytoread style. In plain english definition of in plain english at. Clarity of expression comes most of all from a clear understanding of the topic or theme you are writing about. Day to day, the banks execute the banking and consumer protection laws enacted by congress and. We also include samples of medical, legal and financial jargon and suggested alternative words or phrases that are more likely to.
Plain english means analyzing and deciding what information investors need to make informed decisions, before words, sentences, or paragraphs are considered. Many lawyers are now adopting a plain english style. Plain language is writing designed to ensure the reader understands as quickly, easily, and. Definition of in plain english in the idioms dictionary. Plain english ensures that people can understand what youre saying and, in business, its important that all colleagues feel included as part of the team. These pages include links to all our courses, as well as free guides and glossaries for your use. Plain english, it turns out, is the product of craft. Plain language also known as plain english is a way of writing or presenting information so that readers can understand it quickly and easily. Of plain english and plain meaning n increasing number of jurists have a passion for plain english and they are not afraid to talk about it. Its 18 international contributors, all leaders in the movement, are led by cheryl stephens and her 30 years of experience in promoting plain language. Buy a training package for up to 48 people and deliver our principles to your staff. Im here to introduce you to one of the most complex but effective institutions in the united states. It attempts to be free of cliches and needless technical jargon, and should be appropriate to the audiences developmental or educational level and their familiarity with the topic. Each district has a federal reserve bank that serves and supervises member banks in that particular district.
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