Controlled Language

An explicitly defined restriction of a natural language that specifies constraints on vocabulary, grammar, and style to improve clarity, consistency, and machine processability of text. In accessibility, controlled language rules can be applied to improve the quality of content such as image alternative text by flagging inappropriate linguistic patterns (e.g., file names used as alt text, overly generic descriptions) and suggesting more appropriate alternatives. Controlled language authoring tools complement traditional accessibility checkers by providing language-specific guidance rather than just structural conformance checks, helping content creators write more effective and contextually appropriate text for assistive technology users.