---
id: kb_content_plain_language_readability
title: Plain-language readability for task copy
category: visual-content
appliesToLenses: [content]
steps: [content, evaluate]
tags: [content, microcopy, readability, plain-language]
citation:
  source: "National Archives: Top 10 Principles for Plain Language"
  url: "https://www.archives.gov/open/plain-writing/10-principles.html"
  retrievedAt: "2026-06-01T00:00:00.000Z"
freshness:
  volatility: stable
  lastReviewed: "2026-06-01T00:00:00.000Z"
---

## Summary

Task-critical web copy should be clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the audience.

## Deep Guidance

Use short sentences, meaningful headings, familiar words, and logical organization for labels,
instructions, and other microcopy. Treat long, jargon-heavy sentences as usability risks when
they block users from understanding the next action.