Introductory clauses are used to emphasize the relationships between ideas presented in two sentences or within a paragraph. Here are a few commonly misused introductory clauses and examples of their correct and incorrect uses.

Editing Tip: Introductory Phrases in Academic Writing | AJE

Introductory phrases can be tricky to use properly

Some introductory phrases are better for contrasting, others for highlighting similarity

Editing Tip: Introductory Phrases in Academic Writing

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.

Editing Tip: 'Respectively' and 'Namely' | AJE

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 semicolon draws attention to two related ideas. Semicolons must join two independent clauses. Semicolons can also be used in lists of items that include commas.

Editing Tip: Semicolon Usage | AJE

The semicolon draws attention to two related ideas

Semicolons must join two independent clauses

Semicolons can also be used in lists of items that include commas

Use the find and replace tool in Microsoft Word to ensure consistent formatting in your manuscript

Editing Tip: Using Microsoft Word to Find Inconsistencies in Your Manuscript | AJE

Check for inconsistencies in abbreviations/acronyms, hyphenation, spacing, and more

Editing Tip: Using Microsoft Word to Find Inconsistencies in Your Manuscript

Using articles such as 'a,' 'an,' and 'the' is one of the trickiest aspects of writing in English. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and properly use articles in your research papers.

The Basics of Article Usage in English: "A," "An," and "The" | AJE

Using articles such as 'a,' 'an,' and 'the' is one of the trickiest aspects of writing in English. Learn more about how to avoid common pitfalls.

The Basics of Article Usage in English: "A," "An," and "The"

Author Jacqueline Chretien, PhD, ELS

Editing Tip: Introductory Phrases in Academic Writing

Editing Tip: 'Respectively' and 'Namely'

Editing Tip: Semicolon Usage

Editing Tip: Using Microsoft Word to Find Inconsistencies in Your Manuscript

The Basics of Article Usage in English: "A," "An," and "The"