40 percent of students struggle with choosing the right words for their thesis, which can greatly impact the overall quality of their work. Every year, thousands of theses are rejected due to the use of inappropriate language.
Understanding the Issue
When writing a thesis, it is essential to use formal and objective language. Words that convey a personal opinion or bias should be avoided, as they can undermine the credibility of the research.
Choosing the Right Words
Certain words and phrases, such as those related to emotions or personal beliefs, can be problematic in a thesis. For instance, using words like "I think" or "I believe" can give the impression that the research is based on personal opinions rather than facts. Similarly, words with strong emotional connotations should be used with caution, as they can influence the reader's perception of the research.
Using formal language helps to maintain the objectivity and credibility of the thesis, which is crucial for academic success.
Expert opinions
I'm Emily J. Miller, a seasoned academic advisor with over a decade of experience in guiding students through the thesis writing process. As an expert in academic writing, I'm often asked about the common pitfalls that students should avoid when crafting their theses. One crucial aspect of writing a strong thesis is being mindful of the language used, and in particular, avoiding certain words or phrases that can undermine the credibility and clarity of the work.
When it comes to writing a thesis, it's essential to maintain a formal and objective tone. Using words or phrases that are too casual, vague, or emotive can detract from the academic rigor and authority of the research. So, what words should you avoid in a thesis? Here are some examples:
- Contractions: Avoid using contractions like "don't," "won't," or "can't," as they can give the impression of informality. Instead, use the full form of the verb, such as "do not," "will not," or "cannot."
- Colloquial expressions: Phrases like "in my opinion," "I think," or "it seems to me" can come across as too casual or subjective. Instead, use more formal phrases like "according to the literature," "the evidence suggests," or "it can be argued that."
- Emotive language: Words or phrases with strong emotional connotations, such as "amazing," "outstanding," or "disappointing," can be seen as biased or unacademic. Opt for more neutral language, like "notable," "significant," or "unexpected."
- Vague terms: Avoid using vague words or phrases like "a lot," "many," or "some," as they can lack precision and clarity. Instead, use specific numbers or percentages to support your arguments.
- Jargon and technical terms: While technical terms are often necessary in academic writing, using overly complex or specialized language can alienate readers who are not familiar with the field. Make sure to define any technical terms or acronyms used in the thesis.
- First-person pronouns: While it's acceptable to use first-person pronouns in some contexts, such as in the methodology section, it's generally best to avoid using them in the , literature review, or discussion sections. Instead, use passive voice or third-person pronouns to maintain objectivity.
- Clichés and overused phrases: Phrases like "in conclusion," "to sum up," or "it is worth noting that" can become repetitive and boring. Try to vary your language and use more original transitions and conclusions.
- Slang and idioms: Avoid using slang or idioms, as they can be culturally specific or difficult to understand for non-native speakers. Opt for standard English language and avoid using phrases that may be considered colloquial or regional.
- Ambiguous words: Words like "good," "bad," "big," or "small" can be ambiguous and lack clarity. Use more specific and descriptive language to convey your meaning.
- Overly complex sentences: Avoid using overly complex sentences with multiple clauses or phrases. Break up long sentences into shorter, simpler ones to improve clarity and readability.
By avoiding these words and phrases, you can ensure that your thesis is written in a clear, concise, and formal tone that showcases your research and arguments effectively. Remember, the goal of academic writing is to communicate complex ideas and research findings in a way that is accessible and engaging to your audience. As an academic advisor, I always emphasize the importance of careful language selection and editing to my students, and I hope these tips will be helpful in guiding you through the thesis writing process.
Q: What are the most common filler words to avoid in a thesis?
A: Filler words like "basically," "really," and "actually" can make your writing seem less formal and less authoritative. Avoid using them to make your thesis more concise and effective. This will improve the overall quality of your writing.
Q: Should I avoid using contractions in my thesis?
A: Yes, it's generally recommended to avoid using contractions in a thesis, as they can give a more casual tone to your writing. Instead, use the full form of words to maintain a formal tone. This will make your thesis more academic and professional.
Q: Are there any transitional words I should avoid in a thesis?
A: While transitional words can be helpful, some like "obviously" and "clearly" can come across as condescending. Avoid using them and opt for more neutral transitional words instead. This will improve the flow of your writing.
Q: Can I use slang or colloquialisms in my thesis?
A: No, it's best to avoid using slang or colloquialisms in a thesis, as they can make your writing seem unprofessional and less credible. Stick to formal language to maintain the academic tone. This will help you convey your ideas more effectively.
Q: Should I avoid using the first person in my thesis?
A: While it's not always necessary to avoid the first person, it's generally recommended to limit its use in a thesis. Using the third person or a more formal tone can make your writing seem more objective and authoritative. This will add credibility to your research.
Q: Are there any words related to emotions that I should avoid in a thesis?
A: Yes, words like "I believe" or "I feel" can make your writing seem less objective. Avoid using them and instead focus on presenting facts and evidence to support your arguments. This will make your thesis more persuasive and convincing.
Q: Can I use vague words like "good" or "bad" in my thesis?
A: No, it's best to avoid using vague words like "good" or "bad" in a thesis, as they can make your writing seem less precise and less academic. Instead, use more specific and technical terms to describe your research and findings. This will add depth and clarity to your writing.
Sources
- Swales John, Feak Christine. Academic Writing for Graduate Students. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2012.
- “Writing a Thesis Statement”. Site: Purdue Online Writing Lab – purdue.edu
- Booth Wayne, Colomb Gregory, Williams Joseph. The Craft of Research. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2016.
- “Thesis Writing Tips”. Site: Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences – gse.harvard.edu
