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
Writing an Impactful Paper
  • Manuscript Preparation

The Clear Path to An Impactful Paper: ②

  • 3 minute read
  • 6K views
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0
0
0

Table of Contents

  • Part 1 – How to Structure Paragraphs: 
    • Introduction
    • Methods
    • Results
    • Discussion
  • Part 2 – How to Structure Sentences: 
    • Ensure Variation in Sentence Length
    • Use the Right Sentence Type
    • Position the Verb Intelligently 
  • Conclusion 

As the golden season of Autumn begins, preparations are on in full swing to welcome the harvest season. For researchers, this season brings challenges as well as opportunities in academia. Elsevier is witnessing that more and more high-quality papers by Chinese scholars are shining brightly and bringing widespread academic impact.

A high-quality paper is inseparable from precise and concise language. In a previous blog, “Path to an Impactful Paper: Common Manuscript Writing Patterns and Structure”, we have discussed the structural framework and sentence expressions that can be referenced in academic writing. In today’s issue of “Writing Skills Improvement”, we will further explore the writing skills and common sentence patterns of each sub-structure within the overall framework of the paper.

The first part of this blog focuses on how to reasonably segment the text to improve the fluency of writing; while the second part mainly introduces the three elements for achieving wonderful and authentic sentence structures, with specific case references. We hope this blog can help researchers publish papers more easily and smoothly!

 

Part 1 – How to Structure Paragraphs: 

Although there are no set rules regarding paragraph structure, it is crucial to maintain the flow between individual sentences and between paragraphs. 

You already know the sections in a manuscript. Here are some common paragraph patterns for each¹, with practical examples of sentences that can be used for the same.

 

  • Introduction

How to Structure Paragraph - Introduction

 

  • Methods

How to Structure Paragraph - Methods

 

  • Results

How to Structure Paragraph - Results

 

  • Discussion

How to Structure Paragraph - Discussion

 

Part 2 – How to Structure Sentences: 

Now that we have clarified the segmented sentence structure, how should we organize each sentence to achieve excellent, authentic expression? The following 3 tips may prove useful: 

 

  • Ensure Variation in Sentence Length

Using long sentences too often can overwhelm a reader and make your main points unclear for them². Likewise, using too many short sentences can make your argument seem hurried or incomplete. Therefore, use sentences with varying lengths. Use short sentences to highlight important points and longer sentences to set context or explain ideas.  

 

  • Use the Right Sentence Type

In a previous post we explained the four basic types of sentences—simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Findins the right sentence type is essential to crafting an engaging article². However, when in doubt, follow the As Short as Possible (ASAP) principle which states that one must never use elaborate sentences unless necessary³.

 

  • Position the Verb Intelligently 

A sentence has three cores—the subject (the person or thing that is doing an action), the verb (the action being performed), and the object (the recipient of the action). To craft engaging sentences, elevate the verb and highlight the action being performed³. Here is an example to help you understand: 

Deep sequencing of both species was performed to estimate genetic similarity

    • In this passive sentence, the action being performed (deep sequencing) is not receiving adequate attention 

We performed deep sequencing of both species to estimate genetic similarity

    • This active sentence elevates the action being performed and makes for a more engaging read

 

Conclusion 

The above are our suggestions for improving the overall writing fluency and sentence richness in your academic paper. If you need further specific writing suggestions and polishing, you are welcome to learn more about Elsevier’s language services. Our team of editorial experts makes sure the quality of your article meets the standards of top journals, accurately improves English language expression from a native perspective, fundamentally improves the probability of publication, and helps your research gain greater academic influence!

What’s more, we have another piece of good news! Elsevier’s language services website has been completely revamped. With a more friendly user interface and more intuitive content presentation, it provides researchers with a smooth browsing experience and brings you the best language services! Come and experience the new Elsevier language services website!

 

Type in wordcount for Standard
Total:
Follow this link if your manuscript is longer than 12,000 words.
Upload

 

References

  1. De Araújo, C. G. S. (2014). Detailing the writing of scientific manuscripts: 25-30 paragraphs. Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia. https://doi.org/10.5935/abc.20140019.
  2. Scholarly Voice: Varying Sentence Structure – Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.). https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/scholarlyvoice/sentencestructure.
  3. Revising, editing and proofreading – Engineering Communication Program. (2016, February 9). Engineering Communication Program. https://ecp.engineering.utoronto.ca/resources/online-handbook/the-writing-process/revising-editing-and-proofreading/.
Total
0
Shares
Post 0
Tweet 0
Share 0
Send 0
Message 0
Previous Article
Essentials of Writing to Communicate Research in Medicine
  • Manuscript Preparation

The Essentials of Writing to Communicate Research in Medicine

View Post
Next Article
How to Write Clear Civil Engineering Papers
  • Manuscript Preparation

How to Write Clear and Crisp Civil Engineering Papers? Here are 5 Key Tips to Consider

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

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

  • Systematic review vs meta-analysis

    Systematic Review VS Meta-Analysis

    • 3 minute read
    View Post
  • Professional Manuscript Translation

    Why it’s best to ask a professional when it comes to translation

    • 2 minute read
    View Post
  • Manuscript Writing Patterns and Structure

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

    • 5 minute read
    View Post
  • Paper Rejection Common Reasons

    Paper Rejection: Common Reasons

    • 4 minute read
    View Post
  • The difference between abstract and conclusion

    The difference between abstract and conclusion

    • 5 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
    How to Ensure Inclusivity in Your Scientific Writing
    • 4 minute read
  • Tips to Efficient Spellchecks
    Three Tips to Efficient Spellchecks | Elsevier
    • 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.