Plain English Guidelines: Try to avoid sexist usage.

Any writing habit which creates a barrier between you and half your readers must reduce the impact of your message. Inclusive writing usually makes more sense and is more accurate.

(1) Using sex-neutral terms – Using sex-neutral terms means avoiding words which suggest that maleness is the norm or superior or positive and that femaleness is non-standard, subordinate, or negative.

Example:

Sex specific words	Sex-neutral words
authoress	author
clergymen	clergy, clerics
man, mankind	the human species, human beings, people, humans
man-hours	working hours, work-hours
workman	worker

(2) Using titles or ‘he’ and ‘she’ – It is better to avoid ‘he’, ‘his’, or ‘him’ when you intend to include both men and women.

Compare:

1. Solvent abuse is not a crime but if a police officer finds a young person under 17 sniffing solvents, he should take him to a secure place such as the police station, home, or hospital.
2. Solvent abuse is not a crime but if a police officer finds a young person under 17 sniffing solvents, the officer should take the person to a secure place such as the police station, home, or hospital.

Keep Sentences Short Use Easy to Understand Words Use Fewer Words Use Active Voice Use Crisp, Lively Verbs Use Vertical Lists Put your Point Positively Reduce Cross-referencing Avoid Sex Specific Usage Letter Writing Use Accurate punctuation Avoid Writing Myths Plan Before you Write Organize your material Presentation Writing Clear Instructions Use a Clear Layout