Write short sentences

Ideally, sentences should be 10-15 words maximum.

Respect your reader’s time and keep sentences short. Users understand 100% of sentences at 9 words or less. Even at 14 words comprehension stays at 90%.

Short sentences help people with cognitive impairments. Short sentences are easier for everyone to read.

Paragraphs should have 3 sentences or less. Write subheadings about every 3 paragraphs.

Use bulleted lists instead of long sentence lists. Convert a sentence to a bulleted list if there are more than 3 items.

Use	Not
You can apply for a Certified Authorized Copy of a birth certificate for: Yourself Your child Your spouse, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or state-registered domestic partner	An authorized copy establishes the identity of the registrant (child named on the certificate) and may only be issued to the registrant (person listed on the certificate), a parent or legal guardian of the registrant (legal guardian must provide documentation), or a child, grandparent, grandchild, brother or sister, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant.