Keep it short and simple

Some words and phrases just complicate the language without adding value. Don’t use a complex style because you think it has more authority and meaning. Look out for these simple swaps to improve your writing.

Simplify functional phrases for precision

contained in
for the purpose of
in conjunction with
in order to
in relation to, with regards to
in the absence of
in the event that

Avoid complex phrases for readability

during
for 3 years
promptly, soon, on time
is recruiting
manages
regularly
the risks of

during the course of
for a period of 3 years
in a timely manner
is in the process of recruiting
is responsible for the management of
on a regular basis
the risks associated with

Trim the process detail for efficiency

because
after, at the end of
in line with, under
despite, although
most
the rest of
use

as a consequence of, due to the fact that
at the conclusion of
in accordance with, pursuant to
notwithstanding
the majority of
the remainder of
utilisation

Enjoy the benefits

Plain language makes your documents more effective and persuasive. Use our simple swaps and take a look at the before-and-after example below to see what a difference plain language makes!

Before: The company may require an audit of the business comprising an examination of such business records as necessary to ascertain financial results for the period in question.

After: We might need to audit your business records to confirm the financial results for the period.

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