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Tips for Good Scientific Writing
Updated by DMBS on 7January 2008
These are conventions used in scientific writing. Some things are slightly different from writing in other disciplines.
Data = plural; datum = singular; use plural verb with data – e.g., data are, data show, etc.
No hyphens at the end of a line; can be ambiguous if word is really hyphenated or if you just ran out of space.
Avoid using the phrase “there are”, “there were” – editors consider these wasted words.
Ways to cite:
Smith (1976) found that…..
Burrowing owls are the most diurnal of the owls (Smith 1976).
If you use Latin words or non-English words (e.g., et al.) – either italicize or underline.
In scientific writing, use the word “since” only if you mean time. For example --- “Since 1966, we know that…” If you mean the word “because”, use the word “because.”
The first time you mention a particular kind of organism, you also give the scientific name; after that, you can refer to it with the common names.
Common names are usually NOT capitalized unless part of the name is a proper noun – like “Canada goose.”
Titles for tables and figures should be completely clear and thorough – include, at a mininimum, what, where, and when. The rule of thumb is that the table or figure is supposed to be completely understandable without referring to the text at all.
Table title – on the top of the table; complete titles – what, where, when.
Figure title – under the figure (figures include things like graphs, maps, photos, drawings, etc; complete titles – what, where, when.
The rule on compound sentences – use a comma if you have a subject AND verb in each part.
Examples:
I am going to the store and the post office.
I am going to the store, and I am also going to the post office.
Contractions are not used in scientific writing; “I did not go to the store” would be correct while “I didn’t go to the store” is incorrect.
Past tense is usually used.
Use active voice.
It is now okay to use the first person (years ago, everything was written in the third person).
Number use – the old way was you write out in letters any number under 10, and you could use numerals for larger numbers. Most journals now use numerals for everything (saves money); however, never start a sentence with a numeral.
Know the proper abbreviations used in a particular discipline. Hectare = ha,
grams = g, etc.
If you use the verb “seen”, you must have a helping verb –
Incorrect – I seen the birds.
Correct – I have seen the birds. I had seen the birds.
Short, sweet, to the point. Extra words cost money.