Simplified Public Sector English

• Keep sentences to 40 words or fewer. If a sentence runs longer, split it. If you are accustomed to the concept of Reading Age and automated checkers in Word, this higher limit may surprise you. In fact, 40 word sentences which are a single idea essentially covering a paragraph of content are fairly common in mass-market newspapers. 
• Give each sentence one idea. If a sentence covers two ideas joined by "and", "which", or a semicolon, split it into two sentences. 
• Never use a semicolon. Use two sentences instead. 
• Keep paragraphs to 5 sentences or fewer, and keep each paragraph on a single topic. 
• Turn any list of more than 2 or 3 related items, steps, or conditions into a vertical bulleted or numbered list. 
• Link related sentences with connecting words ("but", "so", "before", "after", "if") rather than long subordinate clauses. 

Instead of: The scheme, which was introduced in 2019 and has since been extended twice, is designed to support small businesses, sole traders and charities that meet the eligibility criteria set out in the accompanying guidance, and applications can be made online or by post. 

Write: The scheme was introduced in 2019 and has been extended twice since. It supports small businesses, sole traders, and charities that meet the eligibility criteria. You can apply online or by post.