Plain English Guidelines: Use vertical lists to break up complicated text.

Vertical lists help to present complex material in manageable chunks, and these two rules should help to keep the lists themselves manageable.

(1) Keeping the listed items in parallel – All the items in the list should fit with the lead-in or ‘platform’ statement.

Incorrect:

To restrict your salt intake, you should:

• not add salt at the table;
• use only a little salt in cooking;
• do not use bicarbonate of soda or baking powder in cooking;
• avoid salty food like tinned fish, roasted peanuts, olives.

To restrict your salt intake, you should only use a little salt in cooking and you should not:

• add salt at the table;
• use bicarbonate of soda or baking powder in cooking;
• eat salty food like tinned fish, roasted peanuts, olives.

(2) Punctuating the listed items – Vertical lists need punctuating as consistently as possible so that readers get used to a pattern and are not distracted by deviations.

Incorrect:

The new job-holder will:

• develop a set of guidelines for clean wastepaper recycling
• Introduce green bins for clean wastepaper at appropriate places;
• monitor compliance with departmental targets.

Correct:

The new job-holder will:

• develop a set of guidelines for clean wastepaper recycling;
• introduce green bins for clean wastepaper at appropriate places; and
• monitor compliance with departmental targets.

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

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