Forms that Work

4 Writing Useful Instructions

Write useful instructions

Rewrite instructions in plain language

Plain language rule 1: Use familiar words in familiar ways

Plain language rule 2: Use short, affirmative, active sentences

Plain language rule 3: Demolish walls of words

Plain language rule 4: Put choices before actions

Plain language rule 5: Use helpful headings

Cut instructions that aren’t needed

Put instructions where they are needed

Include a title that says what the form is for

Put a list of things to gather at the front of the form

It’s OK to guide users to a different form

It’s good to replace instructions with questions

A “before and after” example

Summary: Writing instructions

Write useful instructions

In the preceding chapter, we looked at ...