Tip 1: One Idea Per Sentence
Long, convoluted sentences are the most common problem in non-native academic writing. If a sentence exceeds 30 words, split it. Clarity outperforms complexity.
Tip 2: Use Hedging Language Appropriately
Use hedging: "may suggest," "appears to indicate," "is consistent with." Overconfident claims undermine credibility. Excessive hedging weakens arguments.
Tip 3: Choose Precise Vocabulary
"Good" → "significant." "Show" → "demonstrate." "Very" → "substantially." Academic writing requires precision.
Tip 4: Maintain Consistent Tense
Methods and results: simple past. Literature review: present tense when the finding still holds. Interpretations in discussion: present tense.
Tip 5: Eliminate Redundancy
"Due to the fact that" → "because." "In order to" → "to." Economy of expression is valued.
Tips 6–10
- Define all abbreviations at first use.
- One clear topic sentence per paragraph.
- Read high-quality papers in your field and study their structures.
- Always proofread from a printed copy.
- Use active voice where permitted by journal style.