Plain Language Tools

Photo: JDurham http://photodaisy.blogspot.com

Finding a reader-friendly alternative to jargon or more complex terminology can be a challenge. The following plain language resources may help.

Plain Language Thesaurus for Health Communications
CDC National Center for Health Marketing
http://www.nphic.org/files/editor/file/thesaurus_1007.pdf

Reviewer's Guide to Evaluating Health Information Materials
by Sandra Smith, MPH, CHES
BeginningsGuides 2008
http://www.guidesforbeginnings.com/pdfs/articles/Reviewers-Guide.pdf

Plain English Lexicon: A Guide to Whether Your Words Will be Understood
Martin Cutts
Foreword by Christine Mowat, past Chair of Plain Language Association InterNational (plain)
http://www.clearest.co.uk/files/PlainEnglishLexicon.pdf

Words to Watch Fact Sheet
Pfizer Clear Health Communication Initiative
http://www.clearhealthcommunication.com/media/words-to-watch.html

Readability Toolkit
P R I SM [ Project to Review and Improve Study Materials]
Group Health Center for Health Studies
http://www.centerforhealthstudies.org/capabilities/readability/readability_home.html
Direct link to the Toolkit:
http://www.centerforhealthstudies.org/capabilities/readability/ghchs_readability_toolkit.pdf