How Can Scholarly Writing Be More Concise?

Being precise and concise in academic writing is imperative, but is also very difficult and requires much practice. Failure to do so results in writing that is confusing, difficult to read or comprehend, repetitive, and poor grammar.

To achieve concise writing, Monash University offers these excellent tips:

  • Stay on topic

  • Avoid unnecessary use of nouns

  • Avoid expletives

  • Avoid low-value phrases

  • Remove unnecessary prepositional phrases

  • Check for redunant words and phrases

Along with the above, I find that students often write like they talk, which may lead to many of the above writing inefficiencies. Following a structured writing style will help achieve consiceness, as follows:

  • Begin with an overview/introduction of the paragraph

  • Provide cited assertions/facts in the body of the paragraph

  • End with a summary/conclusion

Finally, software can greatly assist with improved writing and grammar, including Grammarly and Stylewriter.

Interested in hiring a dissertation coach or editor? Contact Dr. Lonny today at help@mydissertation.coach, along with a copy of your current dissertation (if acailable) for an initial assessment and quote.

MY DISSERTATION COACH

My Dissertation Coach offers doctoral students comprehensive dissertation coaching, consultation, expertise, and resources. Dr. Lonny focuses on the dissertation fundamentals, to serve doctoral level candidates towards successful fulfillment of their terminal degree through individualized 1-on-1 dissertation coaching/mentoring. Dr. Lawrence (Lonny) R. Ness has significant experience in successfully overseeing and guiding doctoral research candidates from topic selection to final dissertation oral defense, and all steps in-between. Click HERE for more information…

ABOUT DR. LONNY

Dr. Lonny is a senior dissertation coach and chair with many years of experience at multiple online universities, as well as through personal consulting engagements, with over 80 graduated doctoral mentees.  Dr. Lonny is qualified to walk you through your doctoral journey once you’ve decided to take the plunge!  If interested, please complete the inquiry and/or contact form to let Dr. Lonny know that you would like to speak further about your desire to partner with a professional coach towards doctoral degree completion – or any phase/aspect of the process thereof.  Dr. Lonny can be reached directly via email at drness@dissertation101.com or help@mydissertation.coach

Writing and EditingLawrence Ness