How to write a research paper without grammatical errors

The present research is a qualitative study investigating a potential relationship between explicit grammar instruction to adult EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners and the development of their writing skill [1].

Each research paper holds immense significance in the career progression of academics, requiring substantial investments of time, effort, and resources. Consequently, the final output carries considerable value. Academics face constant pressure to publish, adhering to the dictum of “publish or perish” prevalent in academia. Grammatical errors in research manuscripts represent blemishes capable of needlessly delaying the publication process. Engaging a professional service to meticulously review the English grammar of your manuscript can conserve valuable time and effort, which could otherwise be allocated to conducting experiments or crafting grant proposals. A proficient English grammar checker ensures a polished, error-free manuscript primed for submission.

While a wide variety of grammatical mistakes may be observed in the speech of non-native speakers, the types and frequencies of these mistakes are not random [2].

Here, we delve into prevalent grammatical errors frequently encountered in manuscripts, offering insights on how authors can effectively evade them.

1. Article usage
   Accurate usage of articles is crucial for enhancing clarity and readability in writing. Many authors, especially those less comfortable with English, frequently misuse articles. It’s essential to grasp the distinction between indefinite articles (‘a’ and ‘an’) and the definite article (‘the’) and to know when to employ each.

The definite article, “the,” is employed to refer to someone or something that is singular, typical, or unmistakable within its category, such as body parts, countries, and decades. For instance, “The President of the United States of America,” “The 1980s,” or “The heart was harvested from the animal.” Additionally, “the” precedes superlatives and ordinal adjectives, as in “the fastest,” “the highest,” “the first of its kind,” or “the third replicate.”

On the other hand, an indefinite article, “a/an,” is used when referring to someone or something that is not unique but rather one among many. For instance, “A student of medicine” or “An apple from New Zealand.”

2. Use of “which/who” and “that”
   Fundamental information essential for defining a noun should be introduced by ‘that,’ while ‘which/who’ is employed for additional, non-essential details. A comma is always utilized before ‘which/who’ in such cases. For instance, ‘The patients that were admitted on Monday were administered the drug.’ This conveys that only the patients admitted on Monday received the drug. Conversely, ‘The patients, who were admitted on Monday, were administered the drug,’ suggests that all patients received the drug, with the added information that they were admitted on Monday.
3. Spelling
   To ensure adherence to the guidelines of your target journal, it is imperative to carefully review their specifications. Different journals may have preferences regarding the use of either American English or British English. This includes variations in spellings, formats, and conventions. While software like MS Word offers the flexibility to select your preferred English convention, engaging a native English-speaking editor remains the optimal approach to guaranteeing that your manuscript aligns precisely with the journal’s requirements.
4. Proofread
   To ensure polished writing free of typographical errors and awkward phrasing, meticulous proofreading before submission is essential. Take the time to print out your manuscript and review it sentence by sentence, with a pencil in hand. Reading the text backward, one sentence at a time, can reveal construction errors that might otherwise be overlooked. While Microsoft Word’s spell-check tool offers some assistance, it may not catch nuances, particularly in scientific language. Additionally, reading the entire manuscript aloud aids in detecting misplaced punctuation and refining the flow of your writing.
5. Punctuate accurately
   Mastering the nuances of punctuation—commas, periods, colons, semi-colons, quotations, and parentheses—is a crucial skill. Achieving precision in punctuation demands years of dedicated study and practice within the realm of English. Whenever uncertainty arises regarding punctuation in your manuscript, seeking guidance from a seasoned editor is paramount.

Researchers must consistently prioritize their experiments and the advancement of science. Rather than investing valuable time and energy in becoming proficient in English, consider outsourcing to a reputable English editing service equipped with subject-specific editors. This strategic choice will optimize your efficiency, allowing you to allocate more time to laboratory work or cherished moments with your loved ones.

References

1. Khaleghi, M., Saleem, M., Mansoor, M., & Wajid, M. A. (2024, February). An appraisal of recurring grammar errors in Saudi premedical EFL learners’ academic writing. In Forum for Linguistic Studies(Vol. 6, No. 2).
2. Lee, J., & Seneff, S. (2008, December). An analysis of grammatical errors in non-native speech in English. In 2008 IEEE spoken language technology workshop(pp. 89-92). IEEE.