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Jun 28, 2013 · Is there any hidden rule for using the words "clearly", "obviously" or similar ones in a technical paper? It can be offensive to the readers in many cases (especially in mathematical proofs), since the reader may not find it "clear" or "obvious". But does that mean that we should completely avoid the use of these words?
Sep 22, 2014 · What really sounds “academic” is this: clear writing that gets all of the key points across in an effective way. This, more often than not, requires what many writers frequently either avoid because they don’t think they are “allowed” to write that way, or don’t think to do: stating the obvious.
Avoiding 7 common errors when drafting and revising conclusions. Answering the reader’s unspoken question—“So what?” Improve paragraph cohesion. A. Make your sentences conform to a “given/new” contract. “Given” information (familiar to your reader) should come first in the sentence.
Like bad employees, words that don't accomplish enough should be fired. When only the most effective words remain, writing will be far more concise and readable. This resource contains general concision tips followed by very specific strategies for pruning sentences.
- Too Informal
- Too Vague
- Too Exaggerated
- Too Subjective
- Generally Incorrect
- Other Tips
- Exceptions
- Other Interesting Articles
Academic writing is generally more formal than the writing we see in non-academic materials (including on websites). It is also more formal than the ways in which we normally speak. The following words and phrases are considered too informal for a dissertation or academic paper.
Using vague terms makes your writing imprecise and may cause people to interpret it in different ways. Always try to be as specific as possible.
Academic writing is usually unadorned and direct. Some adverbs of frequency (such as always and never) and intensifiers (words that create emphasis, such as really) are often too dramatic. They may also not be accurate – you’re making a significant claim when you say something is perfect or neverhappens. These terms do sometimes add value, but try ...
Some words and phrases reveal your own bias. For instance, if you state that something will obviously happen, you are indicating that you think the occurrence is obvious – not stating a fact. Expressing your opinion is appropriate in certain sections of a dissertation and in particular types of academic texts (such as personal statements and reflec...
Certain words and phrases are often used incorrectly, even by native speakers of a language. If you’re exposed to such mistakes often enough, you may start to assume they are correct – but it’s important that you don’t let them creep into your writing. You should also bear in mind that some of these mistakes relate to things we all frequently mishe...
In general, you should also try to avoid using words and phrases that fall into the following categories: 1. Jargon(i.e., “insider” terminology that may be difficult for readers from other fields to understand) 2. Clichés (i.e., expressions that are heavily overused, such as think outside of the box and at the end of the day) 3. Everyday abbreviati...
Reflective reports and personal statements sometimes have a less formal tone. In these types of writing, you may not have to follow these guidelines as strictly. The preface or acknowledgementsof a dissertation also often have a less formal and more personal voice than the rest of the document.
If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
It’s easier to write effective sentences when their purpose is clear. You’ll still have to edit for clarity, concision, and mechanics, but if the thinking process behind the writing is well developed, editing shouldn’t be a huge chore. It can actually be a satisfying part of the process.
People also ask
Should we avoid the use of 'clear' or 'obvious'?
What if only the most effective words remain?
Why do some authors not use 'clearly' or 'obviously'?
Why is clarity important in writing?
Why do you use a word if something is obvious to a reader?
What makes a thing clear _once_noted_?
Clear: I will take this dog. Unclear: I do not want that. (Want what?) Clear: I do not want that book. Writing Concisely. Eliminate unnecessary phrases and redundancies. Correct: We will be home in ten days. Incorrect: We will be home in a period of ten days. Use clear and straightforward language.
