Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Research Process
  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Manuscript Review
  • Publication Process
  • Publication Recognition
  • Language Editing Services
  • Translation Services
  • Language Editing Services
  • Translation Services
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
WeChat
x
Elsevier QRcode Wechat
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
Language Editing Services by Elsevier Author Services
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Research Process
  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Manuscript Review
  • Publication Process
  • Publication Recognition
  • English
    • 简体中文
Manuscript Writing Patterns and Structure
  • Manuscript Preparation

Path to An Impactful Paper: Common Manuscript Writing Patterns and Structure

  • 5 minute read
  • 17.7K views
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0
0
0

Table of Contents

  • Why are patterns important in manuscript writing?
  • The basic structure and language of a manuscript1–3
    • Title4–6
    • Abstract7–9
    • Introduction10–12
    • Materials and methods13–15  
    • Results16–18
    • Discussion19,20 

English academic papers usually have a standard article structure that must be followed when preparing journal submissions. Elsevier Author Services has compiled a list of sentence structures and patterns to help you with manuscript writing and to increase your chances of publication.

In this issue of “Writing Skills Improvement”, we discuss common sentence patterns to help you write manuscripts that stand a better chance of being published. 

 

Why are patterns important in manuscript writing?

There are certain standard patterns that appear impressive and crisp while still being easily understood. Using these could increase your chances of publication in a journal of repute, helping your work to reach a larger audience!

But writing a manuscript that is professional yet easy to understand is a nuanced art. It can, however, be simplified by considering two factors:

  1. The overall structure of your article—maintaining a standard structure makes your article flow logically.
  2. The structure of individual sentences—concise sentences make the paper easier to understand.

 

The basic structure and language of a manuscript1–3

Most journals have strict guidelines regarding the structure of an article. The most common format for academic papers is Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (or IMRAD). According to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), “this so-called IMRAD structure is not an arbitrary publication format but rather a direct reflection of the process of scientific discovery”. The following flowchart expands upon this structure:

Manuscript Structure

The primary goal of a research paper is to report your work and its findings concisely and directly. Therefore, a good article uses direct, not flowery, language. Here are some examples of common sentence structures:

Title4–6

  • Evaluation of…using… 
  • Risk Factors for Oral Cancer in Adults…
  • Development of Deep Learning Models to…

Abstract7–9

  • Y is the most common complication among patients post-surgery…
  • Artificial intelligence models can perform XYZ function, but they need more training data to be accurate.
  • In this study, we assess the safety and efficacy of ABC.

Introduction10–12

  • 1 in 5 adults suffers from…
  • The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident with time.
  • However, we need more evidence to support this claim.
  • The aim of this study was to…

Materials and methods13–15  

  • The training data sets included images of…
  • Data was analyzed using Python/SPSS/XYZ software…
  • FADS1/2 knockout mice were used as test animals, while C5BL6 mice with intact FADS1/2 were used as controls.

Results16–18

  • We found that XYZ negatively regulated…
  • The silencing of PQRS led to an increase in XYZ in normal mice…
  • The DNN model was accurately able to identify voids in the material and…

Discussion19,20 

  • Therefore, this work suggests that…
  • In vivo studies are necessary to confirm the effect of ABC in animals and humans…
  • This DNN model can be used to accurately perform XYZ function.

 

Apart from following these patters, researchers may benefit from using a professional English language editing service for their manuscripts. 

At Elsevier Author Services, experienced editors offer personalized recommendations for your manuscript, while ensuring zero ethical and data privacy issues. Our Language Editing Services could help simplify your publication journey. 

Type in wordcount for Plus
Total:
Follow this link if your manuscript is longer than 9,000 words.
Upload

 

References

  1. Lewiston, ME. (2014). How to Write a Paper in Scientific Journal Style and Format. Bates College. https://www.bates.edu/biology/files/2010/06/How-to-Write-Guide-v10-2014.pdf
  2. Liumbruno, G. M., Velati, C., Pasqualetti, P., & Franchini, M. (2013). How to write a scientific manuscript for publication. PubMed. https://doi.org/10.2450/2012.0247-12.
  3. Plaxco, K. W. (2010). The art of writing science. Protein Science, 19(12), 2261–2266. https://doi.org/10.1002/pro.514.
  4. Wall, E., Brotherstone, S., Woolliams, J., Banos, G., & Coffey, M. (2003). Genetic evaluation of fertility using direct and correlated traits. Journal of Dairy Science, 86(12), 4093–4102. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(03)74023-5.
  5. Llewellyn, C., Linklater, K. M., Bell, J., Johnson, N. W., & Warnakulasuriya, S. (2004). An analysis of risk factors for oral cancer in young people: a case-control study. Oral Oncology, 40(3), 304–313. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oraloncology.2003.08.015.
  6. Son, J., Shin, J. H., Kim, H., Jung, K., Park, K. H., & Park, S. M. (2020). Development and validation of deep learning models for screening multiple abnormal findings in retinal fundus images. Ophthalmology, 127(1), 85–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.05.029.
  7. Quinn, K. M., Lightner, A. L., Pendegraft, R. S., Enders, F., Boardman, L. A., & Raffals, L. E. (2016). Pouchitis Is a Common Complication in Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Following Ileal Pouch–Anal Anastomosis. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 14(9), 1296–1301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2016.04.010.
  8. Agatonovic-Kustrin, S., & Beresford, R. (2000). Basic concepts of artificial neural network (ANN) modeling and its application in pharmaceutical research. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 22(5), 717–727. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0731-7085(99)00272-1.
  9. Saito, Y., Uraoka, T., Matsuda, T., Emura, F., Ikehara, H., Mashimo, Y., Kikuchi, T., Kozu, T., & Saito, D. (2007). A pilot study to assess the safety and efficacy of carbon dioxide insufflation during colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection with the patient under conscious sedation. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 65(3), 537–542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gie.2006.11.002.
  10. Chung, C. C. Y., Wong, W. H. S., Fung, J. L., & Chung, B. H. (2020). Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with rare disease in Hong Kong. European Journal of Medical Genetics, 63(12), 104062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmg.2020.104062.
  11. Jacob, D. J., & Winner, D. A. (2009). Effect of climate change on air quality. Atmospheric Environment, 43(1), 51–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2008.09.051.
  12. Wang, X. F., Zhang, C. C., Hasi, E., & Zhang, R. (2010). Has the Three Norths Forest Shelterbelt Program solved the desertification and dust storm problems in arid and semiarid China? Journal of Arid Environments, 74(1), 13–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2009.08.001.
  13. Heinsfeld, A. S., Franco, A. R., Craddock, R. C., Buchweitz, A., & Meneguzzi, F. (2018). Identification of autism spectrum disorder using deep learning and the ABIDE dataset. NeuroImage: Clinical, 17, 16–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2017.08.017.
  14. Rose, M. R., & Kitchin, J. R. (2019). pybliometrics: Scriptable bibliometrics using a Python interface to Scopus. SoftwareX, 10, 100263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.softx.2019.100263.
  15. Madsen, K., Doyle, J., Jewell, L. D., Tavernini, M. M., & Fedorak, R. N. (1999). Lactobacillus species prevents colitis in interleukin 10 gene–deficient mice. Gastroenterology, 116(5), 1107–1114. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0016-5085(99)70013-2.
  16. Wu, S., Liao, A. P., Xia, Y., Li, Y., Li, J., Sartor, R. B., & Sun, J. (2010). Vitamin D receptor negatively regulates Bacterial-Stimulated NF-ΚB activity in intestine. American Journal of Pathology, 177(2), 686–697. https://doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2010.090998.
  17. Boini, K. M., Xia, M., Li, C., Zhang, C., Payne, L. P., Abais, J. M., Poklis, J. L., Hylemon, P. B., & Li, P. (2011). Acid sphingomyelinase gene deficiency ameliorates the Hyperhomocysteinemia-Induced glomerular injury in mice. American Journal of Pathology, 179(5), 2210–2219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.07.019.
  18. Marbouti, F., Diefes-Dux, H. A., & Madhavan, K. (2016). Models for early prediction of at-risk students in a course using standards-based grading. Computers & Education, 103, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2016.09.005.
  19. Cullen, J. B., Johnson, J. L., & Sakano, T. (2000). Success through commitment and trust: the soft side of strategic alliance management. Journal of World Business, 35(3), 223–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1090-9516(00)00036-5.
  20. Galvano, F., Piva, A., Ritieni, A., & Galvano, G. (2001). Dietary strategies to counteract the effects of mycotoxins: a review. Journal of Food Protection, 64(1), 120–131. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x-64.1.120.

 

Total
0
Shares
Post 0
Tweet 0
Share 0
Send 0
Message 0
Previous Article
Risks of AI-assisted Academic Writing
  • Research Process

To Err is Not Human: The Dangers of AI-assisted Academic Writing

View Post
Next Article
There are some recognizable elements and patterns often used for framing engaging sentences in English. Find here the sentence patterns in Academic Writing
  • Manuscript Preparation

Changing Lines: Sentence Patterns in Academic Writing

View Post
You May Also Like
Latex format
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

How to submit articles to Elsevier journals using LaTeX format 

Academic paper format
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Submission 101: What format should be used for academic papers?

Being Mindful of Tone and Structure in Artilces
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Page-Turner Articles are More Than Just Good Arguments: Be Mindful of Tone and Structure!

How to Ensure Inclusivity in Your Scientific Writing
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

A Must-see for Researchers! How to Ensure Inclusivity in Your Scientific Writing

impactful introduction section
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Make Hook, Line, and Sinker: The Art of Crafting Engaging Introductions

Limitations of a Research
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Can Describing Study Limitations Improve the Quality of Your Paper?

Guide to Crafting Impactful Sentences
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

A Guide to Crafting Shorter, Impactful Sentences in Academic Writing

Write an Excellent Discussion in Your Manuscript
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

6 Steps to Write an Excellent Discussion in Your Manuscript

  • How to request the addition of an extra author before publication

    How to Request the Addition of an Extra Author Before Publication

    • 5 minute read
    View Post
  • Paper Rejection Common Reasons

    Paper Rejection: Common Reasons

    • 4 minute read
    View Post
  • Scholarly Sources What are They and Where can You Find Them

    Scholarly Sources: What are They and Where can You Find Them?

    • 3 minute read
    View Post
  • FINER: a research framework

    Navigating the Research Landscape: A Deep Dive into the FINER Method

    • 5 minute read
    View Post
  • Systematic review vs meta-analysis

    Systematic Review VS Meta-Analysis

    • 3 minute read
    View Post
More Posts
  • Latex format
    How to submit articles to Elsevier journals using LaTeX format 
    • 4 minute read
  • Academic paper format
    Submission 101: What format should be used for academic papers?
    • 4 minute read
  • how to write a cover letter
    How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Manuscript? Here are the Tips and Examples
    • 3 minute read
  • Being Mindful of Tone and Structure in Artilces
    Page-Turner Articles are More Than Just Good Arguments: Be Mindful of Tone and Structure!
    • 5 minute read
  • How to Ensure Inclusivity in Your Scientific Writing
    A Must-see for Researchers! How to Ensure Inclusivity in Your Scientific Writing
    • 4 minute read
  • Tips to Efficient Spellchecks
    Essential for High-Quality Paper Editing: Three Tips to Efficient Spellchecks
    • 3 minute read
Price Calculator
Type in wordcount for Standard
Total:
Follow this link if your manuscript is longer than 12,000 words.
Upload
Learn more about
  • Research Process
  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Manuscript Review
  • Publication Process
  • Publication Recognition
  • News
Language Editing Services
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Language Editing Services
  • Translation Services
Elsevier wordmark
Terms and conditions Privacy policy

Cookies are used by this site. To decline or learn more, visit our Cookies page.

All content on this site: Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V., its licensors, and contributors. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

RELX Wordmark

Input your search keywords and press Enter.