Legal Writing

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has led the U.S. government in pushing for plain language. SEC guidelines advise:

Surround complex ideas with short, common words. For example, use end instead of terminate, explain rather than elucidate, and use instead of utilize. When a shorter, simpler synonym exists, use it.

For example, the SEC recommends revising

No consideration or surrender of Beco Stock will be required of shareholders of Beco in return for the shares of Unis Common Stock issued pursuant to the Distribution.

into

You will not have to turn in your shares of Beco stock or pay any money to receive your shares of Unis Common Stock from the spin-off.

This week, as you revise, look for ways to replace long, uncommon words with short, common ones.