This is an unpublished draft preview that might include content that is not yet approved. The published website is at w3.org/WAI/.

Use clear words

Testing alternative template.

See page details in plan

Description

Use words that are common and clear to as many people as possible.

User Story

I understand all the words used and am not confused or distracted by any words or abbreviations that I do not know.

What To Do

Use the most common words and phrases that people with lower reading level or language skills are most likely to know. In particular:

TODO: Consider making the above nested list a <details> or other expando.

How It Helps

Using unclear or unknown words presents a significant barrier to many people. This can be avoided by careful choice of words and the provision of explanations.

For example, people with language impairments, learning disabilities, and poor memory will better understand the content when clear words are used. Also, your audience might not share domain expertise and benefit from explanations of specialist or technical words. Clear words are also important for people with lower language skills. For example, the average reading age in the UK is below 11. Clear words also help readers who do not share the same primary native language as that used for content.

More details

The WCAG Guidelines under 3.1 Readable addresses several related aspects of content readability and provide useful guidance.

Examples

Sufficient

Use of clear words with definition of terms:

Insufficient

Unclear and technical words (as well as other Pattern failures):

Key Terms

? Coga is developing a list of terms so should we repeat here or simple link to it ?

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This is an unpublished draft preview that might include content that is not yet approved. The published website is at w3.org/WAI/.