Using michael's version.

docs/pages/content-design/principles/write-in-plain-language.md

@@ -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**.
@@ -62,7 +71,13 @@ Check reading levels with the [Hemingway Editor](http://hemingwayapp.com/). Elim
   * 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>

docs/pages/content-design/principles/write-with-conversational-official-voice.md

@@ -29,10 +29,27 @@ A conversational tone and an official one can seem like they’re opposites of e
 * Use common contractions like **you’ll**, **it’s**, and **we’ll**.
   * Do not use uncommon contractions like **this’ll**, **y’all**, and **ain’t**.
 * Refer to people as **you**, and the government or department as **we**, as long as it’s clear who **we** refers to. This lowers the feeling of a divide between people and the state.
-  * For example: _If you need benefits, apply by May 23, 2021_. Do not say _The benefits application deadline is May 23, 2021_.
-  * Do not use **me** or **my**. It’s unclear if it refers to the reader or the writer.
+  * Do not use **I**, **me**, or **my**. It’s unclear if it refers to the reader or the writer.
+
+<div class="twocolumn-table">
+
+| **Write** | **Don't write** |
+| ----- | ----- | 
+| If you need benefits, apply by May 23, 2021. | The benefits application deadline is May 23, 2021. |
+| We will review your request in 5 business days or less. | The application must have all of my data. |
+| The application must have all of your data. | Every request the department receives will be reviewed within no more than 5 business days. |
+
+</div>
+
 * Use transition words where it makes sense. Start sentences with **And** or **But** to show the relationship between pieces of information.
-  * Example (courtesy of [Plainlanguage.gov's Use transition words](https://www.plainlanguage.gov/guidelines/organize/use-transition-words/)): _A topic sentence may provide a transition from one paragraph to another. But a transition word or phrase (usually in the topic sentence) clearly tells the audience whether the paragraph expands on the paragraph before, contrasts with it, or takes a completely different direction._
+
+<div class="blockquote-container">
+  <div class="blockquote-body">
+    <div class="blockquote-header"><strong>Example:</strong></div>
+    <div class="blockquote-content">A good DIF project will help Californians live healthier, safer, more secure lives. Or it may help state staff do their jobs more effectively.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
 * Vary the lengths of your sentences and paragraphs. This makes your writing sound natural.
 * Avoid jargon or unfamiliar terms. If you must use them, do so sparingly, and define them for the reader.