DOFIW CONTENT ACCESSIBILITY TOOLS
Readability and Plain Language Checker
Measure English text readability, understand the result, and find long sentences, passive constructions, formal phrases, and jargon that may slow readers down.
Paste or try an English sample
Interpret and improve the text
Readability explanation
Add text to calculate a Flesch Reading Ease score.
- Average sentence length—
- Words with 3+ syllables—
- Long sentences—
- Possible passive voice—
Plain-language findings
- Run the checker to receive specific revision prompts.
Readability formulas estimate sentence and word complexity. They cannot judge accuracy, tone, organization, or whether readers understand the message.
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
What the analysis uses
Input
English prose and a target grade level selected for the intended audience.
Output
Reading Ease, estimated US grade level, reading time, sentence metrics, and specific plain-language review prompts.
The formula uses sentence length and estimated syllables per word. A lower grade estimate usually indicates simpler text, but simple wording must still preserve the correct meaning.
HOW TO READ THE SCORES
Use the numbers to ask better questions
Reading Ease
Higher scores are generally easier. Around 60–70 is often considered plain English, but the appropriate level depends on readers and subject matter.
Grade estimate
The Flesch–Kincaid grade is an estimate of sentence and word complexity, not the reader’s intelligence or the content’s quality.
Long sentences
Sentences over 25 words are flagged for review. A long sentence may be clear, but it often hides more than one idea.
Passive voice
The detector uses a pattern and can produce false positives. Passive voice is useful when the action matters more than the actor.
USE CASES
Where plain-language review helps
- Instructions, public information, help articles, policies, and service pages.
- Error messages, onboarding steps, emails, and form guidance.
- Drafts written for people reading in a second language.
- Technical explanations that need a general-audience version.
- Accessibility reviews that combine automated prompts with user testing.
LIMITATIONS
Readable numbers do not guarantee clear communication
- The formulas are designed for English and are unreliable for other languages.
- Syllable counting, sentence detection, and passive-voice detection are estimates.
- Short samples can produce unstable scores; use a representative passage when possible.
- The tool cannot assess factual accuracy, logical order, cultural context, typography, or reader knowledge.
- Specialist terms may be necessary. Define them instead of replacing precise meaning with an inaccurate simple word.
PRIVACY
Your writing stays in your browser
All counting and analysis happen locally. Text and results are not uploaded, stored, or sent to an API. Clipboard access occurs only when you choose to copy the report.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about readability
What is a good readability score?
There is no universal target. Match the language to the audience, task, and consequences. General public information often benefits from shorter, familiar wording.
Does a lower grade always mean better writing?
No. The goal is the simplest accurate explanation, not the lowest possible number. Technical or legal meaning must not be lost.
Should every long sentence be split?
No. Review whether it contains multiple ideas, conditions, or actions. Keep it when the relationship is clear and splitting would distort meaning.
Is passive voice always wrong?
No. It can be appropriate when the actor is unknown or unimportant. Prefer active voice when readers need to know who must act.
Why does the score change with a small edit?
Formulas use averages, so sentence boundaries and a few multi-syllable words can noticeably affect short samples.
Can this prove that users understand the text?
No. Comprehension testing with representative users is stronger evidence. Treat this checker as an editing assistant.
This tool is an educational editing aid and does not guarantee comprehension, WCAG conformance, or legal compliance. See the W3C writing tips.