Adjusting Vocabulary Level
Control complexity: simple 8th-grade language vs domain-specific terminology.
Vocabulary: The Readability Dial
Vocabulary level is the single most powerful factor in how accessible or exclusive your content feels. A simple word choice change can make the difference between a response that connects with the reader and one that alienates them.
AI models can operate across the full vocabulary spectrum — from kindergarten-simple to doctoral-complex — but you must set the dial explicitly.
Simple Language, No Jargon
Requesting simple, jargon-free language is critical for consumer-facing content, support documentation, and cross-functional communication.
Effective requests:
- 'Use simple language, no technical jargon'
- 'Explain as if the reader has no background in this field'
- 'Every technical term must be explained in plain English when first used'
- 'Replace any word a typical 10-year-old would not know'
import anthropic
client = anthropic.Anthropic(api_key='sk-ant-your-key-here')
response = client.messages.create(
model='claude-opus-4-5',
max_tokens=150,
messages=[{
'role': 'user',
'content': (
'Explain what encryption is. '
'Simple language only — no technical jargon. '
'If you must use a technical word, immediately define it in plain English in parentheses. '
'Target reading level: general public with no tech background. '
'3 sentences maximum.'
)
}]
)
print(response.content[0].text)All lessons in this course
- Formal vs Informal Tone
- Specifying Your Audience
- Professional Writing Styles
- Adjusting Vocabulary Level