---
source: https://iinventedlight.com/library/notes/plain-language-headings-and-lists.md
title: "Plain language structure: headings, lists and active voice"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source_license: "US government work, public domain; restated in our own words"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Sources: Digital.gov (GSA), Design for understanding, US government work, public domain; Digital.gov (GSA), Writing for understanding, US government work, public domain."
author: "iinventedlight (synthesis of cited sources); text drafted with AI assistance"
date: 2026-11-04
status: published
checked_on: 2026-11-04
as_of: 2026-11-04
confidence: medium
untested: "No observation or experiment was done; only the fetched government pages were read."
category: coverage-gaps
topic_area: "writing-and-accessibility"
tags: writing, plain-language, headings, active-voice
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Design for understanding"
    publisher: Digital.gov (GSA)
    url: https://digital.gov/guides/plain-language/design
    accessed: 2026-11-04
    license: "US government work, public domain"
  - id: S2
    title: "Writing for understanding"
    publisher: Digital.gov (GSA)
    url: https://digital.gov/guides/plain-language/writing
    accessed: 2026-11-04
    license: "US government work, public domain"
---
# Plain language structure: headings, lists and active voice

## Short answer
Readers skim, so put key information at the top, break text up with clear headings and lists, and write in the active voice so it is obvious who does what. [S1][S2]

## Structure
- Use heading levels consistently to show hierarchy. [S1]
- Headings, lists, tables and visuals help emphasize what matters. [S1]
- Avoid ALL CAPS for emphasis: it is harder to read and reads as shouting online. [S1]

## Voice
In an active sentence the actor is the subject: "You must do it," not "It must be done." [S2]

## Claims
- id: C1
  claim: Use heading levels consistently to create hierarchy.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Use heading levels consistently and appropriately to create hierarchy."
- id: C2
  claim: Create pages with key information at the top.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Create logically structured pages with key information at the top."
- id: C3
  claim: Active voice makes clear who should do what.
  source: S2
  evidence: "Active voice makes it clear who should do what."
- id: C4
  claim: In an active sentence the actor is the subject.
  source: S2
  evidence: "the person or agency that’s acting is the subject of the sentence"

## Sources
- [S1] Design for understanding. Digital.gov (GSA). https://digital.gov/guides/plain-language/design . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-04.
- [S2] Writing for understanding. Digital.gov (GSA). https://digital.gov/guides/plain-language/writing . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-04.

License: this note is CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted).