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Update write-in-plain-language.md
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Updating example formatting
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m-sullivan7 authored Dec 21, 2023
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19 changes: 17 additions & 2 deletions docs/pages/content-design/principles/write-in-plain-language.md
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Expand Up @@ -53,7 +53,16 @@ Check reading levels with the [Hemingway Editor](http://hemingwayapp.com/). Elim
* Use [active voice](https://plainlanguage.gov/guidelines/conversational/use-active-voice/) and strong verbs.
* Do not use [hidden verbs](https://plainlanguage.gov/guidelines/words/avoid-hidden-verbs/).
* Do not use gerunds with **is** or **are**. A gerund is a verb that ends in -ing.
* For example: write **He helps** instead of **He is helping**.

<div class="twocolumn-table">

| **Write** | **Don't write** |
| ----- | ----- |
| He helps with the backlog. | He is helping with the backlog. |
| The program lets people file their taxes easily. | The program is letting people file their taxes easily. |

</div>

* Write in present tense.
* When using **it**, **this**, **those**, and **these**, double check to make sure it’s clear what the pronoun refers to.
* Do not use directional references like **as above**.
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* Only go to one decimal place. Only use decimals when you need to.
* Use commas in numbers over 999. This helps people understand the order of magnitude.
* Use the serial comma (also called the Oxford comma) to reduce confusion. It’s the comma that comes before **and** in a list of 3 or more.
* For example: _We brought apples, bananas, and oranges_.

<div class="blockquote-container">
<div class="blockquote-body">
<div class="blockquote-header"><strong>Example:</strong></div>
<div class="blockquote-content">We brought apples, bananas, and oranges.</div>
</div>
</div>

<div class="leftright-nav-container long-right">
<div class="left-nav"><a class="internal-link" href="/content-design/principles/be-concise/">Be concise</a></div>
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