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Writer's pictureAdelina Jembere

Webinar recap: let’s talk grammar

Updated: Sep 24

This Clear Language Lab webinar took place on March 8, 2023 as part of the Plain Language Foundations series. Check out the notes below or access the webinar recording and slides.


Overview


Grammar & plain language

  • Using plain language means centering your audience’s needs and goals, and writing so they can find, understand, and use the information you're sharing.

  • Grammar is a set of rules about how we use words, but, more importantly, it’s a tool for communication and it changes over time. 

  • There are many variations of English grammar. Much of what is considered “professional” language has roots in racism and classism.

  • Only correct someone’s grammar if you have permission (you are editing a paper together, you are a tutor with a student who wants to improve their grammar, etc.). Always focus on how changes will help them be understood by others.



Tips for less complex grammar

  • Active voice is generally easier to understand and helpful when you want to be clear about who is doing what, compared with the passive voice

  • Using the 2nd person “you” can help your writing feel more conversational and personable. But be careful - it can sound patronizing or accusatory when talking about something punitive 

  • Aim for an average sentence length of 15-20 words, with variation. Avoid overly wordy sentences by:

    • Asking yourself “does this add new & important information?”

    • Using strong verbs 

    • Avoiding repetition & complicated clauses that don’t add meaning

    • Breaking up information into lists or separate sentences

  • Create cohesion by:

    • Separating ideas that don’t belong together

    • Using headings & subheadings that guide your reader

    • Writing about processes or steps in chronological order 

    • Using transition words and phrases



Resources

Books

  • Oxford Guide to Plain English by Martin Cutts

  • How English Works: A Linguistic Introduction by Anne Curzan and Michael Adams

  • The Oxford English Grammar by Sidney Greenbaum


Websites


Interested in learning more about professional development at Clear Language Lab? Check out other past webinars, find upcoming events on our training page, or contact Sarah Glazer, Sr. Program Manager, at sarah@litworks.org to learn more about our offerings.


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