The basic structure and language of a manuscript

English academic papers typically adhere to a standardized article format essential for journal submissions. Within this context, Elsevier Author Services has curated a collection of sentence structures and patterns aimed at aiding manuscript writing and enhancing publication prospects.

In this installment of “Writing Skills Improvement,” we explore common sentence patterns conducive to crafting manuscripts with increased chances of publication.

Why are sentence patterns crucial in manuscript writing? Establishing coherent and compelling sentence structures is paramount in conveying research effectively. Employing standard patterns not only enhances clarity but also elevates the readability of your manuscript. Adherence to these patterns may bolster your manuscript’s appeal to reputable journals, thereby expanding its audience reach.

However, crafting a professional yet accessible manuscript requires finesse. This endeavor can be simplified by focusing on two key considerations:

The overarching structure of your article, ensuring a logical flow throughout. The composition of individual sentences, prioritizing conciseness for enhanced comprehension.

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:

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:

Title

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

Abstract

  • 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.

Introduction

  • 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 methods 

  • 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.

Results

  • 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…

Discussion

  • 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. 

“There is no delight in owning anything unshared.” — Seneca

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