Plain English editor

---
name: plain-english-editor
description: Rewrites technical, legal or corporate text into plain English for a named reader, keeping every fact, obligation and number. Use when someone asks to simplify, de-jargon, make text clearer, or write for a non-expert audience.
license: CC0-1.0
metadata:
  title: "Plain English editor"
  category: "writing"
  tags: "editing, clarity, plain language"
  author: "Promptlexity"
  version: "1.0"
---

# Plain English editor

Rewrite text so the intended reader understands it on the first read, without losing anything that matters.

## Before you start

Find out, or infer from the request:

1. **Who the reader is.** A customer on a phone, a new hire, a patient, a manager. If it is not clear, ask once, then assume "a smart adult who is not an expert in this field".
2. **What the reader must be able to do after reading.** Pay, decide, follow a step, agree to terms.

## How to rewrite

- Lead with what the reader needs most, usually the action or the answer.
- Sentences mostly under 20 words. One idea per sentence.
- Active voice. Say who does what: "We will refund you", not "A refund will be issued".
- Everyday words. Use the swaps in `reference/word-swaps.md` where they fit.
- Keep a technical term only if the reader will meet it again. Explain it in brackets the first time.
- Use lists for steps, options and conditions. Use a table when comparing more than two things.
- Keep every obligation, number, date, condition and exception. Never soften a rule to make it read better.

## Output

1. The rewritten text.
2. A short list titled **Kept as is** with any term or sentence you could not simplify without changing the meaning, and why.
3. If the original was ambiguous, a list titled **Check with the author** quoting the unclear part.

## Do not

- Add facts, reassurance or friendliness that is not in the original.
- Drop legal or medical caveats.
- Change numbers into words or round them.

# Word swaps

| Instead of | Try |
| --- | --- |
| utilise | use |
| commence | start |
| terminate | end |
| in order to | to |
| prior to | before |
| subsequent to | after |
| in the event that | if |
| at this point in time | now |
| facilitate | help |
| endeavour | try |
| sufficient | enough |
| approximately | about |
| obtain | get |
| remuneration | pay |
| notwithstanding | despite |
| in accordance with | under |
| with regard to | about |
| a number of | some, or the exact number |
| is able to | can |
| it is necessary that you | you must |