Over-used words and phrases
There is a tendency for writers; particularly individuals in Academia, to repeatedly over-use certain words and phrases that they can just chuck into text, even though the meaning does not accurately fit the argument the author is presenting. This habit can occur for various reasons.
- Being under time pressure to meet deadlines.
- Just because of lazyness - "I just couldn't be bothered to look for a more accurate word." - they just want to finish an article or thesis as fast as possible.
- They just don't care about getting a better mark for their work.
Here are some examples of over-used words that we come across every day in our editing work:
- 'through' ...This is the most over-used word of all, because they could choose other more accurate words instead, such as - 'by means of', due to. because' of etc.
- 'according to' ... -This is completely unnecessary because almost every single dissertation, thesis or other academic document quotes examples of work done by other academics. You can simply quote the source of the study you are referring to.
- 'As a result of' '... this unnecessary longwinded phrase can be substituted with; caused by, due to ... etc.
- 'On the other hand' ... try to avoid using this phrase too much because it is over-used; and often doesn't even add any value to the text.
- Context ... is often overused... e.g. 'in the South African context' ... You could simply say - 'In South Africa' ...
- 'Actually' usually adds no meaning to a sentence - so, why use it?
- 'Highlighted' is over used. It can be sustituted by; emphasised, stressed, according to the meaning you are looking for.
- Entails
- involves. Both entails and involves are over-used and can be more accurately used by words such as means, includes, consists of etc.
So, use your own words, keep using Google to pinpoint exact meaning. and keep faithful to you unique voice, and you will do fine!
The other point about over-using such phrases and words is that competent editors who want to convey specific meaning take the time to find words and phrases that convey more precise meaning and thus improve the quality of the writing.
Additionally, changing the text to make it more succinct and readable will make authors less vulnerable to plagiarism checkers such as Turnitin and your plagiarism score will automatic be lower.
Also, using Google regularly to select the right meaning will improve your vocabulary.
If you write your manuscript or thesis in your own words! it will definitely make you less vulnerable to accusations of plagiarism; your supervisor or professor will appreciate the fact that you are not just copying and pasting other authors' writing, and you will get higher marks.
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