How to Choose Writing Style and Language for a Health Science Article
Consider your target audience and structure your sentences to adopt a proper writing style and language for your health science article. Knowing how to choose an appropriate writing style seems like an uncommon skill very few expert researchers possess. However, anyone can select the perfect writing style and language for their health science article after following proper steps.
Take advantage of all the information in this guide to choose an appropriate writing style and language for your health science article.
How to Choose Writing Style and Language for a Health Science Article
Choosing the right style and language for your health science article sets it apart from existing, complex research. You can easily pass vital information to readers without confusing them with the right style and language. Follow the steps below to adopt a proper style and language in your manuscript:
Step 1: Adopting proper style
Concise and clear language
Clear and concise language is vital to make your manuscript easy for readers to understand. Structure your sentences to convey ideas in simple grammar across all sections of your health science manuscript.
Unambiguous statements
Next, you need to define all key concepts of your research in simple terms to avoid confusing readers. All statements in your research should have a direct meaning. Explain what terms in your article may mean when it may have two or more meanings.
Short paragraphs and sentences
Paragraphs and sentences should be as short as possible throughout your manuscript. Readers will be able to understand concepts of your research and read your article easily when you write in brief sentences and paragraphs.
Active voice
You can engage your readers with an active tone. Your writing style will become dynamic when you present ideas in an active tone. Active tone in writing health science articles will build a strong relationship across sections of your research to capture readers’ interest.
Non-redundant ideas
Only express new ideas in your research and cite comments from existing authors to back up novel information. Avoiding repetition makes your writing clear and valuable to existing research. Excluding repetitive ideas from your research also builds interest in readers and improves access to information among your audience.
Transitional phrasing
You can add to the style of your research with transitional phrases. These phrases will help boost the flow of information in your research while boosting coherence of your ideas.
Step 2: Adopting proper language
Broad language
Always write your article in simple language to accommodate non-English speakers looking to gain knowledge from your research. Some journals have express guidelines all authors must following while writing articles for publication.
Standard terms
Use commonly accepted terms in your research and avoid complex words if possible. Non-standard terms will easily confuse non-expert readers of your manuscript.
Expression of technical terms
You need to provide a clear explanation or definition of technical terms to help non-expert readers understand what you mean. Expressing technical terms broadens the spread of your research, making it easy for everyone to access essential information in your article.
Reduced use of jargons
Excessive jargon could confuse readers or reduce their interest in your research. Avoid it if you can while writing your research.
Common Mistakes While Choosing Writing Style and Language for a Manuscript (and How to Avoid Them)
Writers make several mistakes while choosing a proper style and language for their manuscript. Follow the bullet points below to avoid making mistakes that could affect the selection of a proper style or language for your article manuscript:
a. Overuse of technical jargon:
- Excessive jargon alienates readers without expert knowledge
- Strike a balance between technical accuracy and access to easy information in your article
- Define all key terms and provide explanations where necessary
b. Lack of clarity and conciseness:
- Communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely
- Avoid convoluted sentences and long paragraphs
- Aim for simple, brief, and direct sentences in your writing
c. Failure to adapt to the target audience:
- Consider the specific and general audience of the journal
- Adapt your writing style and language to fit your target audience
- Curate your article to meet the expectations of readers
d. Inconsistent tone and style:
- Maintain a consistent tone across your article
- Use a formal, objective tone in writing your manuscript
- Avoid informal language, slang, or personal opinions in your writing
e. Ignoring journal guidelines:
- Familiarize yourself with the journal's guidelines
- Follow formatting, citation, and language requirements
- Adhere to word limits and submission instructions by removing complex sentences
f. Lack of proofreading and editing:
- Carefully proofread your article for grammar, tone, and spelling errors
- Edit to make your ideas clear, coherent, and flow easily
- Ask colleagues or mentors to review your manuscript
g. Neglecting cultural sensitivities and inclusivity:
- Be mindful of cultural sensitivities in language and examples
- Ensure your writing promotes inclusivity and equity
- Adhere to ethical guidelines and respect diversity
h. Ignoring feedback and revision:
- Welcome feedback from peers, mentors, and reviewers
- Consider suggestions for improving your writing style
- Revise your article based on constructive criticism
i. Failure to engage the reader:
- Use engaging language to captivate the reader's interest
- Clearly communicate the significance and relevance of your research
- Create a compelling narrative to engage the audience
j. Lack of readability and visual elements:
- Use subheadings, bullet points, and lists to enhance readability
- Incorporate tables, figures, and diagrams to illustrate key findings
- Ensure a visually appealing layout for better comprehension
Final Word
Following the steps in this guide makes it easy to choose a suitable writing style and language for your health science article. You can make the most of your research article by delivering your work in an appropriate style and language.
Your article will contribute valuable research to existing knowledge and promote easy access to health science information.
Also take note of common mistakes to look out for while choosing a proper style and language for your health science article. Consider the tips to avoid these mistakes to give your article greater relevance in health science research.