Many high-ranking scholarly journals are published in English, and having their articles accepted is critical to authors’ career advancement. International high-profile journals’ referees rank authors’ language use as far more problematic than their article structure. Specifically, lack of clarity is the most frequently mentioned feedback to reviewed manuscripts.

Scholarly research, especially that published in high impact factor journals, is a specialty – the language usage is governed by the unique rules of academic writing. Research involves far more than recording facts. Language is key to transmitting knowledge and creating impact in a field. Journals expect excellence, including in authors’ writing.

Strong sentence structure and lexis (vocabulary) are key aspects of clarity and precision; unsurprisingly, they’re building blocks of scientific writing. Journal editors give priority to manuscripts that demonstrate clarity, objectivity and analytical skills.

In addition to a reference and citation style (e.g. the 7th edition of the American Psychological Association / APA), journals have an explicit or implicit house style. Authors are expected to communicate their thoughts and findings in organised, accurate and sensitive ways.

Article structure tends to refer to the introduction, method, results and discussion (IMRaD), and to the transitions from and links between one section and another, i.e. whether an author presents their ideas explicitly, so that readers can follow.

There are many common pitfalls in every language, pointing to the need for language tutoring. The language barrier between thoughts and writing hinders both native and non-native speakers.

Clear writing avoids vague expressions, sweeping statements and repetition, which may lead readers to misunderstand a study’s design, aims and findings. Shorter, simpler sentences are more effective, as they achieve smooth, direct expression and are easier to read. One can use 25 (even 20) words or under as a rule of thumb.

Scientific writing is more formal than spoken English. While the readers of scientific work may expect a specific discipline’s concepts and terms, authors should avoid unnecessarily complex or obscure words. Concrete, definitive words and terms as well as the consistent use of concepts increase clarity.

One should avoid overly informal or casual phrases and contractions. Further, hedging (e.g. “our results seem to”) make authors sound uncertain of their findings.

In sum, clear writing reflects clear thought. A paper’s language quality is crucial to its being accepted for publication. Even with cutting-edge findings and a strong article structure, errors may cause reviewers to turn down an article, or to return it with the instruction to have it professionally copyedited, with the inevitable delays.

Using an experienced native English editor will improve a manuscript and will make a great first impression on journal editors. The sooner you contact me, the sooner I can assist you.

Source
Ifeyinwa V. Awagu (2021): Language in academic writing: Features and topical issues. Linguistics and Literature Studies, 9(2), 49-56.