Your writing will become much more precise, expressing exactly what you intend. Many writers think that using formal language guarantees technical accuracy, but it actually increases the risks of vagueness.
Precise writing is usually clear and unambiguous. Studies have shown that plain English can increase reader comprehension by at least 30 to 60%, and often by as much as 90%.
Good writing is also easy to read and absorb at one sitting. We often dress up our language to sound authoritative, but don’t consider the costs to readability.
Effective writing is succinct. Most organisations can reduce their documents by up to one-third. The benefits of writing less, of having less to read, and of reduced paper and printing costs all improve workplace economy.
Accountability is increasingly important in the public and private sectors. Yet elements in officialese writing, such as the passive voice, reduce the capacity to call anyone to account.
Plain English writing strengthens your professional credibility. A study by the Royal Mail in the UK estimated that British businesses lose up to £5 billion a year because of pretentious, inappropriate or error-ridden writing.