When you learn to write academic papers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using unnecessary phrases that make your writing archaic or decrease its readability. All the students have such problems, no matter whether they are native English speakers or have English as their second language. Sometimes, students use some phrases trying to make their writing sound more academic, however, the effect from such an approach may be completely opposite.
Most of these phrases are used as transitions. Of course, you should use transitional words and phrases occasionally. They are necessary when you need to connect two different ideas, and they make your thoughts flow naturally. You should also use the academic language that fits the specifics of your paper and allows you to convey your ideas in a professional manner. Nevertheless, there is a big difference between clarity and redundancy, so we at https://writers-house.com/ decided to help you make your academic writing clear and straightforward.
Here are 10 academic phrases that you don’t really need in your papers.
1. On the other hand
Sometimes you need to connect two phrases so that they make sense, especially when these phrases are contrasting. “On one hand… on the other hand” is a very common transition but it’s often used incorrectly. You cannot use “on the other hand” without the first part of this construction. However, even when used properly, such a transition is often unnecessary, and you may replace it with simpler words.
2. In order to
This phrase is often used by people who learn English because it helps them build sentences with the right structure. It’s also used by native English speakers when they learn other languages. “In order to” often appears in academic writing, however, it’s often unnecessary because you can just replace it with “to.”
3. Indeed
This word is never used by native English speakers unless they wear a top hat and a monocle. This word is archaic and unnecessary, however, it often appears in academic writing. Getting rid of it is always a good idea.
4. Furthermore, moreover, however
As we’ve already mentioned above, transitional words are necessary. You need them to connect ideas but you shouldn’t start each sentence with one of them. Such words as “furthermore,” “however,” and “moreover” should be used appropriately. If you use them too often, you will only make it worse.
5. As well as
This is another example of overwriting. If you’re writing a list of several elements and need to connect the last element with the rest of the list, you can just use “and” instead of these three words.
6. For a long (short) period of time
These phrases are quite common in technical or scientific academic writing, especially when describing methods of research or experiments. If you want to make your writing easier to read, replace these phrases with a simple “for a long time” or “for a short time.”
7. Due to the fact that
This construction sounds wordy and nerdy, replacing a simple and clear word “because.” Most often, you can just use “because” and avoid overwriting.
8. By using
Many writers use this phrase without even giving it a second thought. We don’t notice how little prepositions sneak into our writing, but do we actually need them? Let’s be honest, you can just say “using” instead.
9. In the event that
This is overwriting at its finest because these four words can be replaced with one simple “if.” If you replace this phrase with “if,” it will make your academic writing much better.
10. In relation to
This phrase is just a filler that increases your word count. If you need to add extra words, we suggest that you write something meaningful instead. There is no need for “in relation to” because it can be easily replaced with “to,” “about,” or “with.”
Sometimes students try to make their writing look more professional, which is a good intention by itself. However, you won’t be able to make your writing better if you use these wordy phrases that only make your papers harder to read. Good academic writing is concise and clear. Wordy sentences won’t make your writing more intellectual, so get rid of these words and phrases, and choose from among many simple and clear alternatives.
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