Whats Wrong with Readability Formulas?
Posted on January 4, 2010Center for Plain Language –> The media is full of stories that involve the use of plain language to help the public understand complex information. Of course, we’re glad there’s so much attention focused on the Center’s mission. But we are somewhat dismayed to see so many mentions of readability formulas. We don’t recommend using a readability formula to make your documents or web sites easier for people to understand. What does a readability formula count? Readability formulas count a few elements of each sentence such as sentence length, word length, number of syllables in every 100 words, or whether each word is on a list of “acceptable” words for a particular grade level. You apply the formula and get a grade level or a score on a scale that claims to represent clarity or plain language. Why do people like readability formulas? The formulas are popular because they are relatively easy to apply: enter a paragraph in any number of computer programs and voila
