A2Z Tools Plain Language Analyzer vs Health Literacy Advisor

A2Z Tools Plain Language Analyzer is a free web tool for checking English drafts against plain-language guidance. It links each finding to its source guideline and can flag complex words, GOV.UK words to avoid, hidden verbs, “shall” used for requirements, double negatives, passive voice, long sentences, and long words. A Flesch-Kincaid estimate compares the draft with an audience target. Defaults set thresholds for general-public text, service instructions, or professional readers, and users can add organization jargon with plainer alternatives using an equals sign. Findings can be exported as CSV. Text that is pasted, typed, or dropped is processed in the browser tab; the maker says it is not uploaded, logged, stored, or sent to analytics. The analyzer checks English only, combining US and UK word guidance. Scores measure sentence and word length rather than meaning, so findings are prompts for human review. It is free online at free.

Health Literacy Advisor (HLA) assesses and improves document readability using plain-language principles. The desktop edition works inside Microsoft Word, highlighting complicated words, words with three or more syllables, and long sentences. It includes nine readability indices, including Fry-Based, Precise SMOG, Gunning-Fog, ARI, Flesch-Kincaid, Dale-Chall, FORCAST, and Coleman-Liau. An interactive Search and Replace feature offers plain-language alternatives and descriptions for more than 12,000 difficult words, phrases, and medical jargon. ReadEasy Document Assessment pairs readability data with a self-assessment covering readability, content, design, and cultural appropriateness. HLA Online assesses and improves documents in a browser, and saves documents with their scores and details. It works on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices running Windows, Macintosh, Android, or iOS. Its private remote server is described as HIPAA compliant. Desktop and Online licenses run for 365 days from activation and are assigned to one individual; they may not be shared or transferred without written permission. English licenses cost $499 a year, and English and Spanish licenses cost $599 a year.