Plain English Published July 2004 It is easy as a writer to fall into bad habits including using phrases to describe something when a single exists that accomplishes the same purpose. So, here’s a resource for those wanting to write more plainly or economically. It’s called the Plain English Campaign, which is an independent pressure group, based in the UK, fighting for public information to be written in plain English. It claims more than 6000 registered supporters in 70 countries.  One of the main industries seemingly benefiting from the Campaign is the healthcare industry, with companies submitting written drafts of intended material to the Campaign to be assessed for clarity and comprehension. The Campaign’s web site states 'Public information' means anything people have to read to get by in their daily lives.  'Plain English' is language that the intended audience can understand and act upon from a single reading. In this respect it shares some common traits with Don Watson’s crusade against the direction of ‘public language’, and it too, like Buzzkiller and Bullfighter, has its own list of taboo words and phrases.  However it also has a number of useful tools including a clever list of guides including ‘The A-Z of Alternative Words’. To see the guides, and maybe even to sign up as a supporter, go to www.plainenglish.co.uk

PR Influences Australian Public Relations Newsletter. Article: Media Release Writing: Plain English. Information Content: Web site page