Tag: Editing tips

Although list formatting is relatively flexible, especially when involving bullet points, lists typically adhere to a few key rules.

One common mistake made by many writers is not structuring the elements of a sentence in the clearest manner possible, especially with respect to modifiers.

This tip reviews how to properly use parenthetical elements, clauses and phrases that can help clarify meaning in your scientific writing.

• Chemical elements present some unusual exceptions to normal rules for usage of indefinite articles (a and an)
• Choose the article based on the sound of the element when sounded out fully (e.g., 'silver' not 'Ag')
• For isotopes, consider the sound of the element symbol first

• Introductory phrases can be tricky to use properly
• Some introductory phrases are better for contrasting, others for highlighting similarity

Writers often have difficulty determining when to use 'less' and when to use 'fewer' in a sentence. While these words are both used to refer to quantity, they cannot be used interchangeably.

The words 'respectively' and 'namely' are very useful when providing specific information to the reader, but each is frequently misused. Here are some examples of how to use these terms correctly.

• The term relatively, most commonly defined as meaning “in comparison,” can be confusing to use
• 'Relatively' already implies comparison, so it does not need to be used with a comparative (-er) adjective form
• 'Relatively' can also be defined as 'slightly,' but this usage is not preferred in scientific writing

The successful communication of research results in nanoscience depends on properly understanding and using its unique terms and conventions.