🔤 Garbl’s Inclusive Language Guide

Writing that respects people and makes meaning clear

Inclusive language helps readers feel respected and understood. It avoids assumptions and focuses on people—not labels.

This guide offers practical advice to help you make thoughtful language choices in everyday writing and speaking. It’s designed for quick reference, not as a comprehensive manual.

It draws on widely accepted standards, including Associated Press style, along with practical experience in journalism, government, and nonprofit communication.

A note on language and change

Language evolves. Terms that are respectful today may change over time or vary by individual and community.

When possible, follow the preferences of the people about whom you are writing and speaking.

When in doubt:

• Be respectful.

• Focus on people, not labels.

• Use terms people use for themselves.

• Be specific, not vague.

• Include only what’s relevant.

• Avoid assumptions.

• Avoid assuming one person represents a group.

• Ask or check reliable sources.

A simple rule that will carry you far

If you remember nothing else while drafting, remember this:

Don’t label people when you can describe them.

• That one principle solves a surprising number of problems:

• Avoid the homeless; use people experiencing homelessness.

• Avoid the disabled; use people with disabilities.

• Avoid minorities; use specific groups.

Many common communication problems come from using labels as shortcuts. This guide shows how to replace those shortcuts with clearer, more accurate descriptions.

Background

I’ve worked with editorial style guides for more than 50 years, beginning with the AP Stylebook in journalism and continuing through roles in public service and nonprofit communication.

This guide builds on that experience and trusted resources I’ve consulted while developing my former website, Garbl’s Writing Center, and now Plainly, Garbl.

Clear, inclusive language isn’t about following rules. It’s about helping readers understand—and helping people feel respected in the process.

Sections

This guide uses a mix of word choices, examples, and decision points to show how inclusive language works in practice.

• Race and Ethnicity

• Gender, Sex, and Sexual Orientation

• Disabilities

• Immigration and Migration

• Older Adults

• Religion

• Health Conditions

• Shorthand Descriptions

Other resources

For additional guidance, check the AP Stylebook or visit one of these websites:

• Conscious Style Guide—Karen Yin, author of the similarly named book

• Guidelines for Inclusive Journalism—The Seattle Times

• Disability Language Style Guide—National Center on Disability and Journalism

• The Diversity Style Guide—San Francisco State University; companion book by Rachele Kanigel

• Inclusive Language Guidelines—American Psychological Association

• Garbl’s Editorial Style and Usage Guide

• Garbl’s Plain Language Writing Guide

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