These words should appear as whole words
- words not to use in academic writing
- words not to use in an academic essay
- words not to use in writing
- words not to use in scientific writing
What should be avoided in academic writing.
Words and Phrases to avoid in academic writing
5 minute read
Published:
Updates 2024/01/11
I decide to collate a list of words and phrases that should be avoided in academic writing and promise that I will keep updating this list.
12 words to avoid in writing
On one hand, it is a reminder for myself that you should keep improving your academic writing. On the other hand, I would like to share this list with you, especially fresh PhD students.
First of all, academic writing in English is very different from oral English/informal writing/website posts.
The principle is - you should try to avoid expressions that are too informal, unsophisticated, vague, exaggerated, or subjective.
Also, keep your writing accurate and concise, so please avoid those that are generally unnecessary or incorrect.
The following words and phrases are considered too informal for a dissertation or academic paper.
| Taboo | Example | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| A bit | The interviews were a bit difficult to schedule | The interviews were (difficult/somewhat difficult) to schedule |
| A lot of, a couple of | A lot of studies | (Man
|