Converting legalese into Plain English which is easier to understand, while keeping the legal message, is possible and doesn’t have to be that hard, either.
With the overall aim being to make the content shorter and to use simpler words, you can greatly improve a piece of legalese writing into something more readable.
Try swapping the phrases and words next time you are writing or editing any legal-based statements to see what a difference they make.
in respect of about
due to because
wherefore why (or what)
herein in (or within)
in the event if
defaults in the payment doesn’t pay
vendor buyer or customer
three (3) three
at this time now
for the purpose of for (or to)
in order to to
in point of fact in fact {or nothing is probably the best option!}
is required to must
inasmuch as because (or since)
making a determination determining (or better, try ‘deciding’)
subsequent to the use of after using
whether or not whether
with reference to regarding (or ‘about’ for real simplicity)
commence start (or begin)
utilise use
in light of the fact that because ( or the really short option ‘as’)
And remember that ‘include’ means ‘here is part of the full list’ so there is no reason to write ‘including but not limited to …’
Are there particular words or phrases in legalese (or other hard to read dialects) that stand out for you? What words would you use in stead, or do you need some suggestions of alternatives?
