ML21167A323
| ML21167A323 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 06/16/2021 |
| From: | Jason Cai NRC/NMSS/DREFS/MRPB |
| To: | |
| Cai, June | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML21167A317 | List: |
| References | |
| Download: ML21167A323 (1) | |
Text
Top Tips for Writing Well USE TRANSITIONAL WORDS TO TELL A STORY USE ACTIVE VOICE USE SIMPLE, DIRECT, PLAIN LANGUAGE Firstly, secondly, also, however, instead, nevertheless, furthermore, for example, specifically, finally, in conclusion.
Look for passive verbs (is, are, was, were).
Replace with an action verb and add a subject, if appropriate.
Passive: A new generator was installed.
Active: The licensee installed a new generator.
subject action verb Instead of in the event of, say if.
Instead of utilize, say use.
Check out this list of complex words and their plain language substitutes.
For more guidance and examples, use the NRC Editorial Style Guide and the Federal Plain Language Guidelines.
9 MINIMIZE ACRONYMS USE SHORT SENTENCES Alexa Sieracki alexa.sieracki@nrc.gov Use nicknames instead:
No back-to-back acronyms.
the committee instead of ACMUI North Anna instead of NAPS A rule of thumb is three lines or more may be too long.
Caroline Hsu caroline.hsu@nrc.gov For more information, contact:
USE PARALLEL VERB FORMS IN LISTS ONE IDEA=ONE SENTENCE Parallel: Write clearly, consistently, and precisely.
Not Parallel: Write clearly, be consistent, and with precision.
Split up long sentences packed with too many ideas. Also do the opposite. Look for repetitive sentences, combine, and delete.
USE CONSISTENT TERMS USE TOPIC SENTENCES If you call it a report, stick to report. Do not switch to paper, study, or analysis.
The topic sentence should state the key message of the paragraph. Bottom line up front.
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