Plain English summaries

Who is this guidance for?

This guidance is for anyone writing a plain English summary of research. The NIHR requires a good quality plain English summary as part of its funding application. Please note that all applications to NIHR funding programmes must be written in English.

What is a plain English summary?

A plain English summary is a clear, brief overview of research. It should be written clearly and simply, without jargon and with an explanation of technical terms. The summary needs to stand alone, and be understood without further information.

Why is it important?

A good plain English summary will improve understanding of your research among:

• reviewers, board and panel members, including clinicians and researchers who do not have specialist knowledge of your field; they may assess the summary as part of the review process
• members of the public, health professionals, policy makers and the media

Research funders may use the summary when publicising the research on NIHR and other websites.

How to write a summary

A few simple rules for writing a plain English summary include:

• avoid, wherever possible, jargon, abbreviations and technical terms – if you have to use them, provide a clear explanation
• avoid complicated language or uncommon words
• use active not passive phrases, for example, say ‘we will do it’ rather than ‘it will be done by us’
• keep sentences short
• plan the order and structure of the summary
• break up the text, for example, use bullet lists or headings
• ask members of the public/carers/colleagues to read a draft to find out if anything is unclear
• use online tools to check the readability of your summary, and assess your language reading age
• re-read your first draft after a few hours; fresh eyes will help you spot opportunities for improvement

What to include?

These principles can be applied when producing public summaries in any language.

Background to the research, including:

• what problem does your research address, and what impact does this problem have on members of the public, services and society?

Aim of the research, including:

• what question will your research answer?
• what are your key aims and objectives?

Describe your research plan, including:

• how you are going to answer your research question
• what design and methods have you chosen, and why?

Working with diverse people and communities with relevant lived experience and needs:

• how has your proposal been shaped by these groups?
• how will your research be shaped and influenced by these groups?

Knowledge mobilisation

• explain your plan for knowledge mobilisation

Resources

Several organisations and groups have developed guidance for writing of public summaries.

Plain English Campaign produces a series of guides that can be downloaded free of charge including: How to write in plain English; How to write medical information in plain English.

For examples of plain English summaries of research, see NIHR Evidence.

Summaries of successful applications can be found on the NIHR Funding and Awards page.

Readability and editing tools include:

• Microsoft Word Editor
• Grammarly
• Hemingway Editor App
• The Writer readability checker