Tag: Formal tone

• 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

• Latin terms such as e.g. or in vitro are extensively used in scientific writing
• Keep in mind that e.g. and i.e. are not combined with etc.

When the word 'that' is used to introduce a clause, it has a different purpose and grammatical structure from its other uses.

• There are many reasons to strive for effective word choice, or 'diction,' including improving your style, tone, and content.

Many writers believe that the words 'whether' and 'if' are interchangeable. However, each of these words has specific – and often separate – functions. Generally, 'whether' is used more frequently in academic writing.

• Apostrophes can be used to create contractions (shortened forms of words or phrases).
• Apostrophes also indicate possession.
• Overall, the apostrophe is not common in scientific writing.

Many researchers experience pressure to publish their work in English, even if it is a challenge. Here, we discuss why and provide resources to help.

What are the first and third person in academic writing? Should you use one over the other in your journal articles?

• When writing to a professor, researcher, or administrator, a more polite style of email writing may increase your credibility as a fellow professional
• Keep it short, and avoid informal slang and contractions
• Professionalism in emails is critical whether you're writing to your professor or whether you are a professor who's writing to a journal editor