When we are writing English academic papers, it may feel good to use phrases and terms similar to "sound good." However, ultimately, these phrases are not necessary and may even have worse effects (fuzzy the content of the paper, making it difficult for readers to understand what the author wants to express).
William Zinsser, the author of the book "On Writing Well", defines "clutter" as any meaning that is not necessary to convey . William Zinser believes that one of the primary rules for good English writing is to avoid clutter at all costs. By reducing clutter, we can ensure that the author's information is communicated to readers (whether it is a peer, a mentor, or a journal editor).
Sometimes, your paper is criticized by reviewers and editors for not being able to understand English, which is likely because you use the term clutter. clutter is usually a mistake that teachers and students who do not conduct professional scientific research and writing training are prone to making, which is exactly what professional paper editors are good at solving.
Next, the author divides the phrases of clutter into three categories: lengthy phrases, inaccurate terms, and old term . Through 10 example sentences, you should avoid using these phrases.
1. Long phrases
Do not use long phrases when writing academic papers. Using complex and long sentences does not mean that you have high English proficiency, but will make the sentences obscure and cumbersome. If you don't find yourself using lengthy phrases, or don't know that you have made a lengthy mistake, then I will share a few examples of lengthy phrases. You can compare them and quickly modify your paper, keeping only the necessary words and phrases.
1. Due to the fact of/that…
Due to the fact of/that…is a typical lengthy phrase, "Because" can usually be used instead of this lengthy phrase.
Before modification: Due to the fact thattml2 more people are hiking in the Adirondacks, there have been more bear encounters.
After modification: Because more people are hiking in the Adirondacks, there have been more bear encounters.
2. It should be noted that…
It should be noted that…it can be deleted and directly enter the topic without affecting the content of the sentence at all.
Before modification: It should be noted thattml2 there were only 15 subjects in the study.
After modification: The study consisted of 15 subjects.
After modification: The study consisted of 15 subjects.
3. In consequence of this fact…
In consequence of this fact…can be replaced directly with because of and give this What does fact specifically refer to to facilitate readers' reading comprehension!
Before modification: In consequence of this factml2, we really do not know how much of an impact daily exercise has on a person's BMI.
After modification: Because of unreliable reporting and other factors, we really do not know how much of an impact daily exercise has on a person's BMI.
4. It's worth mentioning/it's worth considering…
Do you often use "It's worth mentioning/it's worth considering…"? This sentence structure is very literary and not suitable for our rigorous academic papers.
Before modification: It's worth considering whether the recent storm patterns are connected to glacier melt.
After modification: Recent storm patterns may be connected to glacier melt.
5. Further research is needed…
is needed to ...Do you often use sentence patterns? Delete it and change the passive sentence into active sentence, which has better effect.
Before modification: Further research is needed to determine how extensive the damage to the intestinal wall is.
After modification: Future studies will gauge the extent to which intestinal walls are damaged.
6. In this essay/paper/study, we will…
Do you often use "In this essay/paper/study, we will..." in the introduction part of the paper?
Generally speaking, there is no explicit provision for the paper to introduce what you are going to do. Sometimes this narrative is helpful to guide readers.
Delete the content of "In this essay/paper/study, we will..." and you will find that this has no effect on your paper. How about
? Modify the lengthy phrases in the paper, do you feel that the sentences become clear and easy to read? Next, let me talk about some inaccurate terms that you often encounter in SCI writing.
2. Inaccurate terms
Inaccurate terms may be spoken terms, redundant, incorrect, and they have no meaning in academic papers. Next, two examples of inaccurate terms are given.
7. End resulttml2
"End result" phrase is redundant. In most cases, you can simply use "result" or "results" or "... caused by...".
Before modification: The end resultml2 of more run-off is higher levels of bacteria in the water.
After modification: Higher levels of bacteria are caused by increased run-off.
8. On average
8. On average
On average is an inaccurate term and we should avoid using it.
Before modification: Our results demonstrated that, on average, birds returned to the nest X number of times.
After modification: According to our results, birds returned to the nest an average number of X times.
3. Old term
Old term is some phrases that were once fresh and novel, but because they have been used too many times, they have lost their influence. This term is generally some professional terms in the research field, or it can be some outdated terms.
9.Sheds lig
Sheds light means to make something easy to understand, clarify, and reveal, and is usually used in the cover letter or abstract of a magazine. Sheds light is an infrequently used and outdated phrase, and we should try to avoid using it. Sheds light can be replaced by suggest or determine.
Before modifying: This research sheds lighttml2 on why monkeys engage in these behaviors.
After modifying: This research suggests some reasons why monkeys engage in these behaviors.
After modifying: This research determined why monkeys engage in these behaviors.
After modifying: This research determined why monkeys engage in these behaviors.
After modifying: This research determined why monkeys engage in these behaviors.
10. Paradigm shiftt
Some professional terms are not commonly used, and if possible, it is best to describe more accurately what changes have occurred.
Before modification: Donaldson's experiments resulted in a paradigm shiftt in current thought.
After modification: Donaldson's experiments have had some influence on current thinking.
Written at the end
HD Although there are many avoided phrases in writing English academic papers, the 10 phrases listed above are the most common. Delete those unnecessary and inaccurate phrases, don’t feel sorry, you will find that your paper becomes more concise, clear and easy to understand!
