Structuring Scientific Papers Using Language Elements of Style

Abstract

This paper aims to provide guidance on structuring scientific papers using elements of style in language. It is particularly valuable for novice scientific writers who need to grasp the fundamental concepts of language elements. This knowledge is essential for students, scholars, teachers, and scientists who seek to enhance their language skills for effective communication. The paper emphasizes the use of hedging, addressing issues, and proposing solutions. Furthermore, the article outlines the Elements of Style for Writing Scientific Journal Articles, including fundamental rules of manuscript language. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding common errors and being mindful of the reader's perspective. The language in scientific writing should prioritize accuracy, conciseness, clarity, and objectivity. The use of a spell-checker is recommended to prevent errors, and adherence to basic rules of manuscript language is crucial. The paper also addresses various language aspects such as tenses, grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph organization. It underscores the significance of understanding and using professional jargon in the respective field. Authors should double-check unfamiliar words or phrases. Abbreviations and acronyms should be avoided, and contractions like "it's" and "isn't" are not suitable for professional writing. Direct and concise sentences are generally more effective, with the recommended sentence length averaging around 12 to 17 words. The concept of hedging, which involves using words like "suspect," "could," "might," "possibly," "seems possible," "may," and "if," is explained. These terms allow writers to express their interpretation and indicate their attitude toward the accuracy of the statements they accompany. Hedging helps present unverified claims with caution while softening categorical assertions. It is advisable to frame sentences in positive form whenever possible.