Short, clear, second-person
Plain language matters for inclusion: across Europe, around 1 in 6 adults reads at a level below what most public information assumes. Six rules:
1. SHORT sentences (under 20 words). 2. ONE idea per sentence. 3. EVERYDAY words ('use' beats 'utilise'). 4. ACTIVE voice ('We will send you…' beats 'You will be sent…'). 5. 'YOU' and 'WE' instead of 'the applicant' and 'the agency'. 6. CLEAR structure: headings, bullet lists, one column.
The EU's clearwriting.eu guide is free and language-specific.
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