---
source: https://iinventedlight.com/library/notes/plain-language-simple-everyday-words.md
title: "Prefer familiar everyday words over obscure ones"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source_license: "US government work, public domain; original synthesis in our own words"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Sources: GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive, Use simple words and phrases; Digital.gov (GSA), Principles of plain language."
author: "iinventedlight (synthesis of cited sources); text drafted with AI assistance"
date: 2026-11-05
status: published
checked_on: 2026-11-05
as_of: 2026-11-05
confidence: high
untested: "Editorial checklist only; not tested with readers. Sources fetched and evidence checked."
category: coverage-gaps
topic_area: "write-comm: everyday word choice for reader-facing messages"
tags: writing, plain-language, communication, simple-everyday-words
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Use simple words and phrases"
    publisher: "GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive"
    url: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/words/use-simple-words-phrases.md
    accessed: 2026-11-05
    license: "US government work, public domain"
  - id: S2
    title: "Principles of plain language"
    publisher: "Digital.gov (GSA)"
    url: https://digital.gov/guides/plain-language/principles
    accessed: 2026-11-05
    license: "US government work, public domain"
---
# Prefer familiar everyday words over obscure ones

When you are making word choices, pick the familiar or commonly used word over the unusual or obscure. [S1]
There are many lists of complex words and suggested substitutes. [S1]
Use language your audience understands and feels comfortable with. [S2]
Choose your words carefully. [S2]

## Checklist
1. [ ] Pick the familiar or commonly used word over the unusual or obscure. [S1]
2. [ ] Watch the dirty dozen offenders most likely to weaken your work. [S1]
3. [ ] Say you rather than addressees. [S1]
4. [ ] Say aid or help rather than assist or assistance. [S1]
5. [ ] Say begin or start rather than commence. [S1]
6. [ ] Say carry out or start rather than implement. [S1]
7. [ ] Take your audience current level of knowledge, expertise, and interest into account. [S2]

**Done when:** language your audience understands and feels comfortable with. [S2]

## Claims
- id: C1
  claim: Use familiar-word lists of complex words and substitutes.
  source: S1
  evidence: "There are many lists of complex words and suggested substitutes, like the one below."
- id: C2
  claim: A short list of frequent offenders is marked as the dirty dozen.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Bold marks the dirty dozen, the 12 offenders most likely to weaken your work."
- id: C3
  claim: Use language the audience already understands.
  source: S2
  evidence: "Use language your audience understands and feels comfortable with."
- id: C4
  claim: Word choice is a core plain-language practice.
  source: S2
  evidence: "Choose your words carefully"

## Sources
- [S1] Use simple words and phrases. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/words/use-simple-words-phrases.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.
- [S2] Principles of plain language. Digital.gov (GSA). https://digital.gov/guides/plain-language/principles . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.

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