Academic style guide

General

English has become the international language of science and academic publications so that findings are accessible to a broad audience. This section is primarily for readers who are non-native speakers of English. However, native-English-speaking students and scientists may also find it very useful.

What is academic style?

Regardless of the type of academic writing, your style of writing should be the same: clear, concise, with appropriately referenced ideas. Moreover, your writing should be accurate, impersonal and objective. This chapter gives guidelines for appropriate style: the level of formality, academic vocabulary, language of caution and the use of passive verbs.

Each of the following sections focuses on one aspect of academic style or vocabulary, and provides additional  handouts with activities.