English for Academic Purposes: Professional Writing

Precision in language enhances the legitimacy of academic writing.
Use expanded modal forms instead of contracted forms (e.g., "cannot" vs. "can't").
Prefer single verb forms over two-word verbs (e.g., "continue" vs. "carry on").
Avoid abbreviations in formal writing, opting for full phrases (e.g., "as soon as possible" vs. "ASAP").
Eliminate colloquial or idiomatic expressions to maintain formality.

Academic writing emphasizes the use of complex language and impersonal tone.
Writing should focus on the information and arguments rather than personal pronouns like "I" or "you".
Statements should be assertive without attributing opinions to the writer (e.g., "This is a very interesting study" instead of "In my opinion...").
Use general terms rather than directly addressing the reader (e.g., "It is easy to forget..." instead of "You can easily forget...").

Signposts in writing help readers understand the structure and relationships within the study.
Indicate shifts in arguments clearly with transitional phrases (e.g., "however").
Use explicit phrases to clarify ideas (e.g., "This is due to…" or "This resulted in…").

Academic writing must be careful to avoid overgeneralizations, relying on proven theories and concepts.
Utilize modal verbs to express possibility or uncertainty (e.g., "may," "might," "could").
Use adverbs to modify verbs and convey a more nuanced meaning (e.g., "tend to," "commonly").

Academic sentences should display complexity, reflecting the sophistication of the writer.
Combine ideas efficiently, avoiding redundancy while enhancing clarity (e.g., combine related statements into one cohesive thought).
Employ techniques like nominalization and passivization to achieve academic structure, focusing on actions rather than subjects.