Writing a research manuscript is more than just reporting findings—it’s about communicating your work clearly, precisely, and professionally. Whether you’re a student submitting your first paper or a seasoned researcher refining your latest manuscript, adhering to the correct style and choosing the right words can make all the difference in the impact and clarity of your work.
This article provides practical guidance and a checklist to help you write with confidence and polish, following academic conventions that enhance readability and credibility.
Why Manuscript Style and Word Selection Matter
Scientific writing is meant to inform, not impress. Complex language and inconsistent style can obscure your findings and reduce your chances of publication. A well-written manuscript reflects the quality of your research, facilitates peer review, and improves accessibility to a broader academic audience.
Core Components of Scientific Style
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Clarity
Clarity is the foundation of good scientific writing. Your goal as a researcher is to communicate complex ideas in a simple, understandable way without sacrificing accuracy. A clearly written manuscript helps readers—from peer reviewers to fellow scientists—grasp your research question, methodology, and findings without unnecessary effort or confusion.
Here are key principles to enhance clarity in your manuscript:
Use Short, Direct Sentences
Long and winding sentences increase the risk of losing the reader’s attention or misrepresenting your point. Each sentence should ideally convey one complete idea. If a sentence includes multiple concepts, consider breaking it up.
Tip: If you can’t read a sentence out loud in one breath, it’s probably too long.
Example:
The aim of the current study, which was designed over the course of several months, was to assess the impact of early intervention strategies, such as parent-led behavior training and school-based programs, on long-term cognitive and social outcomes in preschool-aged children across several institutions in the northeastern United States.
Rephrase to:
We assessed how early interventions affect long-term outcomes in preschoolers. The interventions included parent-led training and school-based programs, implemented across multiple institutions in the northeastern United States.
Avoid Jargon and Unnecessary Technical Terms
Specialized terminology is sometimes essential, especially within niche disciplines. However, do not assume all readers share your background. Overuse of jargon can alienate your audience or make your paper less accessible. Use simple, accurate language where possible, and always define abbreviations and acronyms the first time they appear.
Tip: Ask a colleague from a different field to read your abstract. If they struggle to understand it, simplify.
Example:
The study applied a CBN with a nonparametric prior to optimize DAG structures in a high-dimensional space.
Rephrase to:
We used a Bayesian network model to identify relationships between variables in large datasets.
Eliminate Redundancy
Redundancy clutters your manuscript and dilutes your message. Avoid repeating the same idea in different words or using unnecessary filler phrases. Instead, aim for concise precision—say exactly what you mean, once.
Common redundant phrases to avoid: “in order to,” “due to the fact that,” “at this point in time,” “absolutely essential.”
Example:
The study was conducted in order to be able to investigate whether or not X affects Y.
Rephrase to:
We investigated whether X affects Y.
Use Parallel Structure
When listing items or presenting multiple related ideas, maintain a consistent grammatical format. Parallel structure improves flow and comprehension.
Example:
The study aimed to test the hypothesis, analyzing the results, and report conclusions.
Rephrase to:
The study aimed to test the hypothesis, analyze the results, and report conclusions.
Summary: How to Write with Clarity
| Problematic Writing | Clear Writing |
| Long, convoluted sentences | Short, direct sentences |
| Unexplained jargon | Plain language with defined terms |
| Redundant expressions | Concise and efficient wording |
| Inconsistent structure | Parallel, logical construction |
Writing with clarity doesn’t mean oversimplifying your work. It means communicating your findings in a way that is accessible, professional, and compelling. When your writing is clear, your science speaks louder.
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Consistency
Consistency in writing is like structure in architecture—it holds everything together. In scientific manuscripts, consistency refers to the uniform application of grammar, terminology, formatting, tense, and voice throughout the paper. Inconsistent writing can confuse readers, distract from your message, and even undermine your credibility as a researcher.
Consistency ensures that your manuscript reads smoothly, reflects professional standards, and meets the expectations of journal editors and reviewers.
Maintain a Consistent Tense
One of the most common issues in scientific writing is tense shifting—jumping between past and present without clear reason. In research manuscripts, different tenses are used for different sections:
| Section | Preferred Tense | Example |
| Abstract | Mixed (Present for conclusions, Past for methods/results) | We found that X increased Y. These findings suggest… |
| Introduction | Present tense for known facts; Past for previous studies | X is known to affect Y. Smith et al. (2020) reported… |
| Methods | Past tense | We administered a questionnaire… |
| Results | Past tense | Participants showed a 15% improvement… |
| Discussion | Mixed (Present for interpretation, Past for results) | Our results suggest… We observed a trend toward… |
Tip: Once you pick a tense for a section, stick with it unless there is a logical reason to shift.
Use a Consistent Voice: Active vs. Passive
Scientific writing has traditionally used passive voice (“The experiment was conducted…”), but in modern manuscripts—especially in the biomedical and social sciences—the active voice is preferred when it improves clarity and flow.
| Voice | Example |
| Passive | The data were analyzed using SPSS. |
| Active | We analyzed the data using SPSS. |
While the passive voice may be appropriate when the actor is unknown or irrelevant (e.g., “Samples were stored at –80°C”), using active voice where possible improves readability and highlights the researchers’ actions.
Tip: Use passive voice sparingly. Prefer active voice when describing your methods, actions, or interpretations.
Standardize Terminology and Abbreviations
Every field has specific terms and acronyms, but using them inconsistently or introducing multiple terms for the same concept can confuse readers.
- Use one term consistently for a concept or variable throughout the paper.
- Define all abbreviations and acronyms upon first use, and then use them uniformly.
Example:
First mention: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Later: COPD was associated with increased hospital admissions…
Don’t switch between “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” “chronic lung disease,” and “COPD” interchangeably unless justified.
Uniform Formatting
Consistent formatting is essential, especially when preparing figures, tables, headings, references, and in-text citations. Many journals provide formatting templates or style guides (e.g., APA, AMA, Vancouver).
Checklist for formatting consistency:
- Same font and size across all sections
- Uniform heading styles (e.g., all level 2 headings bolded and centered)
- Tables and figures follow a common style (titles, legends, labels)
- References are cited and listed in a consistent format
Tip: Use reference management tools (e.g., Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley) to ensure consistent citation formatting.
Follow the Same Structure Throughout Sections
Within sections like Methods or Results, stick to a logical and repetitive structure to help the reader navigate.
Example in Methods:
- Participants → Instruments → Procedure → Data Analysis
Avoid changing the order without reason, as readers may be looking for specific information in a predictable sequence.
Summary: How to Maintain Consistency in Your Manuscript
| Inconsistency Issue | How to Fix It |
| Switching tenses randomly | Assign specific tenses to each manuscript section and stick to them |
| Fluctuating between active/passive voice | Use active voice when possible; reserve passive for neutral descriptions |
| Using multiple terms for the same concept | Choose one preferred term or abbreviation and use it throughout |
| Formatting headers or references differently | Use a consistent style based on journal guidelines |
| Variable order in section structure | Maintain a clear, repeated internal structure |
Consistency doesn’t just improve readability—it builds trust. A manuscript that follows a consistent voice, style, and structure demonstrates careful thought and professionalism. These qualities increase your chances of favorable peer review and publication success.
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Formal Tone
A formal tone is a hallmark of scientific writing. Unlike casual or conversational writing, scientific manuscripts require a tone that is objective, precise, respectful, and professional. A formal tone conveys seriousness and competence, enhancing the credibility of your work.
Adopting a formal tone doesn’t mean using overly complex language—it means writing in a way that is appropriate for an academic audience, free of slang, emotional language, and personal bias.
Avoid Colloquialisms and Slang
Scientific manuscripts are not blog posts, casual emails, or spoken presentations. They require a level of professionalism that avoids idioms, informal phrases, and slang.
| Informal / Colloquial | Formal Alternative |
| A bunch of samples | Several samples |
| The data was all over the place | The data showed high variability |
| We got the results | We obtained the results |
| This is a game-changer | This represents a significant advancement |
Tip: Read your sentences aloud. If it sounds like something you’d say to a friend, it may not be suitable for your paper.
Avoid Contractions
Contractions (e.g., “don’t,” “can’t,” “it’s”) are common in everyday writing but are generally inappropriate in formal scientific writing. Always spell them out.
| Contraction | Formal Version |
| Don’t | Do not |
| It’s | It is |
| They’ve | They have |
Example:
Incorrect: The study doesn’t support the hypothesis.
Correct: The study does not support the hypothesis.
Maintain Objectivity and Neutrality
Your manuscript should present information impartially. Avoid overly enthusiastic, biased, or emotionally charged language. Let the data speak for itself.
| Biased / Emotional | Objective |
| The treatment was amazingly effective! | The treatment reduced symptoms by 65%. |
| Unfortunately, the results were not great. | The results did not support the hypothesis. |
| We strongly believe that X is the best method. | The findings suggest that X may be more effective than other methods. |
Tip: Replace opinions with evidence. Back up every claim with data or citations.
Use Third-Person or First-Person as Appropriate
Historically, scientific writing favored the third-person perspective (“The researchers conducted…”), but many modern journals now accept or even encourage the use of first-person plural (“We conducted…”), especially in the Methods and Discussion sections.
| Perspective | Example |
| First-person (preferred in many journals) | We analyzed the data using R software. |
| Third-person (more traditional) | The authors analyzed the data using R software. |
Tip: Check the style guide of your target journal. Some prefer third-person objectivity; others accept first-person for clarity.
Be Respectful and Professional When Discussing Limitations or Other Work
Use measured, respectful language when discussing previous research, controversial findings, or limitations of your own study.
| Unprofessional | Professional |
| Their methodology is flawed and outdated. | Their methodology may not account for X, which could affect Y. |
| This study is full of errors. | Several methodological concerns have been raised regarding the study. |
| We failed to find significant results. | The results did not reach statistical significance. |
Tip: Scientific critique should always focus on methods and data—not the people behind them.
Summary: How to Maintain a Formal Tone
| Common Mistake | Formal Writing Fix |
| Using slang or idioms | Replace with clear academic language |
| Using contractions | Spell them out fully |
| Expressing opinions or emotion | Rely on data and remain objective |
| Using inconsistent perspectives | Stick with journal-recommended first- or third-person |
| Making harsh critiques | Use respectful, evidence-based language |
A formal tone reflects your credibility as a researcher. It shows that you respect the scientific process, your peers, and your audience. As you revise your manuscript, ask yourself: Does this sound like it belongs in a scientific journal? If not, revise for tone—your peers (and reviewers) will thank you.
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Precision and Specificity
Scientific writing demands a high level of precision and specificity. Your readers—whether researchers, reviewers, or students—expect clear definitions, exact measurements, and accurate descriptions of methods and results. Vague or ambiguous language can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and even flawed replications.
When you’re precise and specific, you’re not just communicating information—you’re ensuring scientific integrity.
Avoid Vague Language
Vague words like “some,” “many,” “a few,” “very,” or “large” lack the specificity required in scientific writing. Instead, use exact numbers, percentages, or defined terms. Be Concrete, Not Vague.
| Vague | Specific |
| Many participants improved. | 78% of participants improved. |
| A large number of cells were affected. | Approximately 3,200 cells were affected. |
| Some patients responded well to treatment. | Twelve of the 18 patients (66.7%) responded to treatment. |
Tip: Numbers—even approximate ones—add clarity and credibility. Don’t leave the reader guessing.
Example:
The intervention caused a significant change in the participants.
Insead use:
The intervention improved participants’ test scores by 25% over three months.
Use Defined and Measurable Terms
Avoid qualitative, subjective descriptors unless they are operationally defined within your study. If you use terms like “high stress,” “low performance,” or “poor nutrition,” be sure to explain how they are measured.
Example:
Participants had high stress levels.
Insead use:
Participants scored above 25 on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), indicating high stress levels.
Tip: If a term is open to interpretation, define it explicitly.
Be Precise with Units and Statistical Data
All measurements and statistical results should include units, symbols, and appropriate levels of detail. This includes physical measurements, p-values, confidence intervals, and standard deviations.
| Imprecise | Precise |
| The sample was stored cold. | The sample was stored at 4°C. |
| The result was statistically significant. | The result was statistically significant (p = 0.042, 95% CI: 1.2–3.4). |
| The mice gained weight. | The mice gained an average of 12.5 g (SD = 2.1 g) over two weeks. |
Tip: Include enough detail that another researcher could replicate your methods and analyses.
Choose Words with Care
Precision is not just about numbers—it’s about choosing the right word. Scientific writing relies on accurate word choice to convey relationships, causality, and uncertainty.
| Less Precise | More Precise |
| The treatment helped patients. | The treatment reduced symptom severity by 40%. |
| X caused Y. | X was associated with an increase in Y. |
| The test proved that… | The test indicated that… |
Note: Avoid overclaiming. Use cautious language (e.g., “suggests,” “is associated with,” “may lead to”) unless causality is definitively established.
Avoid Overgeneralization
Generalizing from a small or specific sample can be misleading. Be precise about your population and cautious in your conclusions.
Example:
This finding applies to all children.
Insead use:
This finding applies to the sample of 83 children aged 4–6 years, recruited from urban schools in Boston.
Tip: Specify sample size, demographics, and settings to avoid overgeneralizing.
Summary: How to Write with Precision and Specificity
| Problematic Practice | Specific & Accurate Alternative |
| Using vague quantifiers like “many” or “large” | Provide exact numbers or percentages |
| Using subjective terms without definitions | Define all operational terms clearly |
| Leaving out units or statistical details | Include all necessary data, symbols, and values |
| Overclaiming cause-effect relationships | Use careful, evidence-based language |
| Making sweeping generalizations | Qualify claims based on sample size and context |
Writing with precision shows that you’ve done careful, thoughtful research—and that you respect your readers’ time and intellect. In science, every detail matters. Be specific. Be transparent. Be accurate.
Resources and Tools
- Grammarly / LanguageTool – Grammar and style checks
- Hemingway Editor – Clarity and readability feedback
- Academic Phrasebank (Manchester) – Phrases for academic writing
- Journal guidelines – Always consult the “Instructions for Authors” section of your target journal
Final Thoughts
Great research deserves great writing. By mastering correct style and precise language, you increase the chance that your findings will be understood, appreciated, and cited. Use this guide and checklist as a companion throughout your writing process. Every edit you make toward clarity and consistency improves your paper—and strengthens the voice of your science.
