Simplified Technical English (STE) and Plain English are both approaches to writing that aim to enhance clarity and readability, but they have different purposes and target audiences:

Simplified Technical English (STE):

• STE is a controlled language designed specifically for the aerospace and defence industries to ensure clarity and consistency in technical documentation.
• It aims to simplify language by restricting vocabulary and grammar rules to make text easier to understand for non-native English speakers and reduce the risk of misinterpretation, especially in technical manuals and procedures.
• STE has a standardised dictionary of approved words and rules for sentence construction, including guidelines for writing procedures, warnings, cautions, and notes.
• The focus of STE is on precision and unambiguous communication within technical contexts, which may sacrifice some elements of natural language expression in favour of clarity and consistency.

Plain English:

• Plain English, on the other hand, is a broader approach to writing that aims to make content accessible and understandable to a general audience, regardless of their technical expertise.
• It involves using clear, concise language, avoiding jargon, complex sentence structures, and unnecessary technical terms.
• Plain English emphasises readability and comprehension, making it suitable for a wide range of documents, including consumer guides, legal documents, and public communications.
• While Plain English encourages simplicity and clarity, it allows for more flexibility in expression compared to STE. It prioritises conveying information in a straightforward and easily understandable manner without strict adherence to predefined rules or vocabulary lists.

In summary, the main difference between Simplified Technical English and Plain English lies in their specific purposes and target audiences. STE is tailored for technical documentation in specialised industries, focusing on precision and clarity for non-native English speakers, while Plain English is a more general approach to writing that aims to enhance readability and comprehension for a broader audience.