In 2023, ISO published the plain language standard called ISO 24495-1:2023 Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines. These 4 four principles in the standard give details on what methods you can use to write a plain language document:

• Readers get what they need (relevant)
• Readers can easily find what they need (findable)
• Readers can easily understand what they find (understandable)
• Readers can easily use the information (usable)

Part 1 is based on research and consensus

Part 1 of the standard is based on empirical evidence and on the definition of plain language [link to the definition page] that experts adopted in 2014. In addition, it was created using ISO’s well-regarded consensus model. Experts from 25 countries (representing 19 languages) drafted and approved the standard. Because of all this work that was done together, plain language practitioners around the world support this standard.

The other parts to the standard were written using the same model. We’ve published a bibliography of some of the research that the standard is based on.

Part 1 works in most languages
The standard is not just for English, nor is it just for ISO’s other two official languages, French and Russian. In fact, the standard is language neutral. So it works in most languages and across all sectors. 50 plain language experts from 25 countries drafted and approved the standard (representing 19 languages). Through the commenting practice used in the ISO consensus model, they were able to make sure every part of the standard works in their languages.

Some countries will localize the standard, to add information that’s specific to a language or to a country. Countries may also develop best practices to reflect what works within their own language, such as sentence length.

Part 1 is about more than just words
The guidance in the standard includes many plain language practices that are not word related. The ISO standard has roughly 485 ideas. These cover a variety of language issues (such as the content’s structure, findability, understandability, and usability) but only 7% focus on word choice.
And the guidance that does relate to words is high level, so it’s not specific to any one language. For example, the standard talks about using culturally relevant language, using words that your readers know, and using clear sentences.

Part 2 and on In drop down as “Other parts”
ISO is developing more parts to its plain language standard, notably parts on legal writing, science writing, and document design. It’s also developing a part that will enable an organization to certify that it “uses plain language systematically in its operations.”

In addition, ISO is developing a separate plain language standard focused on a notation system for business reports, particularly the charts and tables in those reports. This standard is based on a widely used system developed by IBCS.

Part 2 and on In drop down as “Other parts”
ISO is developing more parts to its plain language standard, notably parts on legal writing, science writing, and document design. It’s also developing a part that will enable an organization to certify that it “uses plain language systematically in its operations.”

In addition, ISO is developing a separate plain language standard focused on a notation system for business reports, particularly the charts and tables in those reports. This standard is based on a widely used system developed by IBCS.