Genuine VS toxic positivity in language: communicating with empathy 

Can positivity be toxic? We’ll investigate the concept of toxic positivity. From this, we'll learn how we can communicate authentically. 

4 March 2022 by Laura Kelly

Plain language history: Basic English

Basic English was a concept created in 1930. It promised to make the English language more accessible. We’ll cover Basic English, who created it and what it promised. 

8 February 2022 by Laura Kelly

The 5 most common words you sought synonyms for on Readable

We’ve looked at the most common words our users sought synonyms for over a three-month period. Here are the top words and more readable alternatives. 

18 January 2022 by Laura Kelly

Readability in history: the Plain Writing Act

Certain moments in history have been greatly impactful on readability standards. In the U.S., Obama passing the Plain Writing Act was a significant landmark in the history of clarity campaigning. 

7 January 2022 by Laura Kelly

Words of advice from the most successful authors

Some of the greatest authors are no longer with us, but their words live on. We’ve looked at some bestselling authors and are sharing their writing advice. 

15 December 2021 by Laura Kelly

Imagism: a minimalist movement that changed poetry

In the early twentieth century, a poetry movement called Imagism revolutionised English literature. We’ll cover what it was, who practised it and what impact it’s had on modern poetry. 

17 November 2021 by Laura Kelly

Coronavirus coverage – pandemic best practices for style

AP - the Associated Press - updated their style guide to include coronavirus guidelines. Here’s what we can take from their updates to apply to our own writing. 

5 November 2021 by Laura Kelly

10 English words with surprising etymology

The practice of etymology is uncovering the truth by tracing the root of a word. Find out some surprising word origins.

20 October 2021 by Laura Kelly

Why should readability be a brand value in your business?

Readable content helps you make an impact, build trust and reach a wider audience. Find out why readability should be a central part of your business.

6 October 2021 by Laura Kelly

Feminist placards: the language of protest

Banners have a way of bringing together feminists from all walks of life. We’ll look at a handful of these and examine the power of their feminist language.

8 September 2021 by Laura Kelly

Pandemic clichés and how to avoid them

We’ll explore how pandemic clichés become so prevalent and why you should do your best to avoid them. Then we’ll highlight some useful alternatives.

25 August 2021 by Laura Kelly

10 British English phrases

There are some phrases in British English which anyone who didn’t grow up in the UK would struggle to understand. We’ll outline a handful of these and explain their meanings and origins. 

6 August 2021 by Laura Kelly