academic
English Proofreading for Academic Texts: What You Need to Know
Writing academic texts in English is challenging – proofreading them even more so. Sound familiar? You have finished your research paper, but during proofreading you are unsure: Is the tone formal enough? Is the hedging language correct? Are the citations in the right format? In this interactive lesson, you will learn the key rules for proofreading English academic papers and practise academic style, hedging language and formal expressions in hands-on exercises.
Topics
Learning Content
Academic Proofreading: More Than Just Grammar
Proofreading English academic texts requires far more than spelling and grammar skills. For German scholars publishing in English, it is a particular challenge: different sentence structures, a different register, and stricter conventions around hedging language make proofreading complex.
In this article, you will learn what to look out for when proofreading and can apply your knowledge directly in interactive exercises. You will learn:
- The difference between proofreading and editing
- How to use hedging language correctly and avoid overly absolute statements
- Which false friends German academics encounter most frequently
- The most important transition words for coherent argumentation
- Correct citation formats for APA, MLA and Chicago
- A comprehensive checklist for your next academic proofread
Includes interactive exercises and final test. Duration: approx. 25 minutes.
Email Vocabulary
0/6 learned
I am writing to...
Click to reveal
Please find attached...
Click to reveal
Could you please...
Click to reveal
I look forward to...
Click to reveal
Kind regards
Click to reveal
As discussed...
Click to reveal
Grammar Rule: Hedging Language in Academic English
Rule
Hedging language is used in academic texts to soften claims and show that findings are not absolute. Instead of 'This proves that...', you write 'This suggests that...' or 'The findings indicate that...'. Typical hedging devices include: modal verbs (may, might, could), adverbs (possibly, arguably, potentially), verbs (suggest, indicate, appear) and phrases (it seems that, there is evidence to suggest).
Examples
"The results suggest that regular exercise may reduce stress levels."
Correct: 'suggest' and 'may' appropriately soften the claim.
"This clearly proves that our theory is right."
Too absolute! Better: 'This provides strong evidence that our theory may be valid.'
"It could be argued that socioeconomic factors play a significant role."
Correct: 'It could be argued' is an elegant hedging phrase using the passive voice.
"Everyone knows that climate change is caused by human activity."
Too sweeping! Better: 'There is a broad scientific consensus that human activity contributes significantly to climate change.'
Tips
- •Avoid absolute statements like 'always', 'never', 'proves', 'obviously'.
- •Use instead: 'tends to', 'appears to', 'is likely to'.
- •Combine multiple hedging devices: 'The data might suggest that...'
- •Hedging is not weakness – it shows scholarly rigour.
Tip
Academic Proofreading Checklist:
1. Structure: Does the text follow the IMRAD format (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion)?
2. Hedging: Are all claims appropriately softened?
3. Citations: Are all sources correctly cited in the chosen style (APA, MLA, Chicago)?
4. Register: Is the tone consistently formal? No colloquialisms?
5. Coherence: Are transitions between paragraphs logical and clear?
6. Grammar: Subject-verb agreement, articles, tenses consistent?
7. Vocabulary: Technical terms used correctly? No false friends?
8. Formatting: Consistent spelling conventions (e.g., -ise/-ize)?
Exercise 1: Complete Academic Phrases
The findings ______ that there is a correlation between sleep and productivity.
Exercise 2: Academic Writing Rules – True or False?
In academic texts, you should avoid 'I think' and use impersonal constructions instead.
Common Mistakes by German Academics
The Most Common Mistakes in Academic English Writing
German scholars make systematic errors when writing English academic texts, often due to interference from their native language. Here are the key areas:
1. Sentence Structure and Length: German academic texts tend towards long, nested sentences. In English, the rule is: One idea per sentence. Lists are frequently broken into bullet points.
2. False Friends: Words like actual (≠ aktuell/current), eventually (≠ eventuell/possibly), sensible (≠ sensibel/sensitive) cause misunderstandings. In academic contexts, consequent (≠ konsequent, correct: consistent) is particularly problematic.
3. Article Usage: In German, 'die Forschung zeigt' takes an article, but in English it is research shows (no article with uncountable nouns).
4. Nominalizations: Academic English favours nominalizations: instead of to analyse → the analysis of; instead of to develop → the development of.
Academic Vocabulary
16 words
to argue
verbto present a reasoned case (not: to quarrel)
Smith (2023) argues that early intervention is crucial.
to contend
verbto assert or maintain something as a position
The authors contend that further research is warranted.
moreover
advin addition, furthermore (more formal than 'also')
Moreover, the findings align with previous studies.
notwithstanding
advin spite of, despite (very formal)
Notwithstanding these limitations, the study provides valuable insights.
corroborate
verbto confirm or give support to (more formal than 'confirm')
These results corroborate the findings of earlier research.
pertinent
adjrelevant or applicable to a particular matter
Several pertinent studies were excluded from the analysis.
elucidate
verbto make something clear, to explain
This chapter aims to elucidate the theoretical framework.
caveat
nouna warning or proviso of specific conditions
An important caveat is the limited generalisability of the results.
empirical
adjbased on observation or experience rather than theory
The study provides empirical evidence for the hypothesis.
methodology
nouna system of methods used in a particular area of study
The methodology section describes the research design in detail.
discourse
nounwritten or spoken communication or debate
The current discourse on sustainability encompasses multiple perspectives.
paradigm
nouna typical pattern or model of something
This research challenges the existing paradigm in cognitive science.
to scrutinise
verbto examine closely and thoroughly
The data were scrutinised for potential outliers.
inherent
adjexisting as a natural or permanent quality
There are inherent risks in any experimental design.
to posit
verbto put forward as a basis of argument
The researchers posit that social factors are more influential than economic ones.
hitherto
advuntil now or until the point in time being discussed
This hitherto unexplored area merits further investigation.
Game: Unscramble Academic Terms
Matching: Informal → Formal (Academic)
Click on a word on the left and then on the matching translation on the right.
Transition Words and Coherence
Transition Words for Academic Texts
Good academic texts are characterised by logical connections between sentences and paragraphs. Transition words are indispensable for this purpose. They show the reader how your arguments are related.
Addition: furthermore, moreover, in addition, additionally
Contrast: however, nevertheless, conversely, on the other hand
Cause/Effect: consequently, therefore, as a result, hence
Example: for instance, for example, specifically, namely
Summary: in conclusion, to summarise, overall, in sum
Concession: albeit, notwithstanding, despite, regardless
A common mistake by German academics: using on the one hand... on the other hand in every other paragraph. Vary your transition words to make the text more engaging and precise.
Sentence Builder: Construct Academic Sentences
Translation: The results suggest that there exists a correlation.
Exercise 3: Choose the Formal Register
Which phrase is most appropriate for an academic text?
Translation: Academic Sentences German → English
German
Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass ein Zusammenhang besteht.
Warning
Warning: Common Citation Mistakes!
In APA style, the year is placed in parentheses directly after the author: Smith (2024) or (Smith, 2024).
In MLA style, the page number is given without 'p.': (Smith 42).
In Chicago style, footnotes and a bibliography are used.
Never mix citation styles within a single paper! Check the requirements of your university or journal.
Final Quiz: Academic Proofreading
Which sentence contains correct academic hedging?
More Lessons
Academic Writing in English: The Complete Guide for German Students
English Proofreading: 10 Tricks for Error-Free Texts
Untranslatable: 20 English Words with No German Equivalent
Ready to improve your English?
Our native-speaking teachers help you achieve your goals. Contact us for a free consultation.