Have you ever received feedback such as "awkward phrasing", "unclear argument" or "please revise your sentence length"? For many researchers, this can be frustrating. After all, your grammar may be correct, the vocabulary sophisticated and the science solid. The problem is often something else: your first language is influencing the way you write in English. In this blog we discuss how to avoid common pitfalls.
Long sentences can hide good ideas
In some languages, long sentences are common in academic writing. However, what feels elegant in one language may seem unnecessarily compilated in English. Long, complex sentences can make arguments difficult to follow. A sentence becomes hard to follow when it contains several ideas or has too many clauses. Try to give each sentence one clear job. Ask yourself: what is the main point of this sentence? If you cannot answer that quickly, the sentence may need to be split or rewritten.
Direct translations can sound strange
Researchers sometimes translate phrases directly from their own language. A sentence may be grammatically correct and yet still sound unnatural in English. This can distract from the research itself. Instead of translating word for word, focus on the idea you want to express. Can you say it in a simpler and more direct way?
Strong claims are not always stronger
Many non-native writers make claims that sound too certain in English. Academic English typically uses hedging to reflect scientific nuance and methodological limitations. Journals generally favour carefully qualified claims:
- "The results suggest..."
- "The findings may indicate..."
- "This appears to support..."
Writing for readers, not for yourself
The best scientific writing guides readers through complex ideas with as little effort as possible. Readers experience a text one paragraph at a time. A good paragraph has one central idea and makes that idea clear from the start. Each paragraph should move your argument forward and prepare the reader for what comes next. The same applies to the overall structure of your article. Does each paragraph logically build on the previous one? Is it always clear why a piece of information is relevant? When readers can easily follow your reasoning, they can focus on your findings rather than on deciphering your writing.
Why it matters
Language-transfer issues rarely obscure the scientific content itself. However, they can affect the reader's experience and, consequently, the perceived quality of the text. Clear writing enables reviewers to focus on the research rather than the language.
Learn from experienced trainers
Our course Writing a Scientific Article in English provides practical guidance on structure, style and language use. You will learn how to communicate your findings clearly, convincingly and appropriately for an international audience. Participants work with authentic scientific texts and receive personalised feedback on their own writing.
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