When reading a scientific paper, you probably recognise noticed that the text is of a general scientific writing style, which is somewhat different to that of other types of literature.
This is because the purpose a paper is very different to that of a fiction book - the audience wish to be informed in an interesting way of the work. They want to understand why and how it was achieved and
correct use of scientific language is a powerful tool in achieving this.
The importance of language
Using appropriate, clear, scientific language within your paper is integral to the success of communicating your work.
First and foremost - it is required to accurately convey your science. And poor language can lead to delays or blocked publication, by both the Editor and Reviewers.
It is important to note that correct use of language is the responsibility of the Authors, before it reaches the Editor! Journals will not correct language!
If you need assistance with your written English, there are often services available within the University - these 'polishing services' are worth investigating! The following section provides some language tips to help you on your way to publication. It might be useful to use this as a check-list when editing your drafts!
Written English
The general practice of most journals is to publish in American or British English and consistency is integral throughout the text. This information will be contained in the guidelines for authors.
With this in mind, it is important to consider the multi-national readership of journals, of which 50% have English as a 2nd or 3rd (+!) language.
As such, clear, concise language and short, direct sentences are considered good-practice in scientific writing - no novels here please!
The scientific writing style
Overview
The aim of your paper is to convey your science to a wider audience in an informative and interesting manner, whilst adhering to the rules and regulations of the scientific journal you are writing for. Ie. You must tell a detailed story people can follow. Good use of language and formatting of text is imperative to the success of your story: (Fairy Tales never end with their ‘Once upon a time’… Here we focus on use of Scientific Language within writing – a general overview of formatting of scientific text is covered in more detail within ‘Structure’.
In general, a successful scientific paper uses language which is:
Accurate
Correct words and meanings in the right context.
Concise
Every sentence should be simple and refined.
Clear
There is no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation of meaning.
Objective
Text is not influenced by personal feelings or opinions, but is simply statements and considerations based on presented facts.
Grammar and spelling
Sentence style
In your scientific paper, you will want to be use a factual and informative writing style; clear for all readers. This writing style leaves no room for long flowing descriptive sentences with multiple clauses -
minimize the use of adverbs (clearly, essentially, quite, really, fairly, virtually... ie. waffle!) which convolutes your sentences and masks clarity of statements from readers. Furthermore, they detract from
confidence in the statement, seemingly lowering credibility of results or statements.
Aim for one piece of ‘take home’ information per sentence. Avoid using redundant phrases: with a word limit, make every sentence count!
Vary your sentence starters to make the text more interesting and less repetitive and disruptive. Try to keep 'we' subjects to a minimum.
Avoid the use of excessive abbreviations which can be difficult for the reader! If abbreviations are used, ensure they are fully explained on their first appearance .
Tenses and voices
Be clear and self-consistent with your tenses, active and passive voices - inaccuracies in grammar can distract or confuse the reader.
Use the past tense for experiments conducted and results, the present
for known facts and hypothesis and the future for future applications and experiments. Using the active voice makes the text more engaging, “We found that…”.
Summary
Finally, please read and re-read your text: check your spelling, grammar, tenses in the body of the text as well as in figure captions, which are so easily forgotten!
It is often helpful once your have your draft together and proofed to have a colleague with fresh eyes look at your manuscript and spot these errors: we often see what we expect or think we see! Take a few days away from the text and come back to it, and/or ask a colleague or friend to have a read-through. You will be surprised how much they can pick up on!