Introduction
Even the strongest research can be rejected from academic journals because of language issues. Many Indian scholars, especially those writing in English as a second language, face difficulties with grammar, structure, tone, and clarity. Editors and reviewers are often unable to look past language problems to appreciate the actual research. This blog outlines the most common language errors that lead to journal rejections and offers practical suggestions to help avoid them.
Poor Sentence Structure and Grammar
Grammatical accuracy is a basic expectation in academic publishing. Common issues include incorrect verb tenses, subject-verb agreement errors, misplaced modifiers, and improper punctuation. Overly long sentences filled with multiple clauses can confuse the reader and dilute the meaning.
Example of a faulty sentence:
“The experiment was successful which was conducted last week because the samples were properly stored and tested after collecting them.”
Better version:
“The experiment conducted last week was successful because the samples were properly stored and tested after collection.”
Keeping sentences concise and grammatically correct helps editors trust your scholarly voice.
Unclear or Ambiguous Wording
Journal editors value clarity. If a reader cannot understand what you mean, your argument loses power. Many authors use vague terms like “it,” “this,” or “they” without specifying what the word refers to. Ambiguous use of terminology—especially technical terms—can also lead to misinterpretation.
Avoid this:
“This is important for further studies.”
Instead:
“This method of data classification is important for future studies in social demography.”
Always revise to ensure that your readers will clearly understand your point without second-guessing.
Overuse of Passive Voice
While passive voice has its place in academic writing, excessive use can make your writing dull and indirect. It can also hide the actor or source of action, which weakens clarity.
Overused passive example:
“It was observed that the data showed a significant trend.”
Improved active version:
“The researchers observed a significant trend in the data.”
Balance is key—use active voice when clarity and flow are needed.
Inconsistent Tense Usage
Tense inconsistency is a subtle but serious issue. Writers often shift between past and present tenses within the same paragraph or section, confusing the reader. As a general rule:
- Use past tense for methodology and results: “The experiment was conducted…”
- Use present tense for established facts and interpretations: “The data suggest that…”
Keeping tense consistent strengthens the professional tone of your writing.
Literal Translations from Native Language
For many Indian researchers, writing in English involves mentally translating from Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, or other native languages. Unfortunately, this can result in awkward or unnatural phrasing.
Example:
“According to me, this problem is very big.” (a direct translation of a common Indian phrase)
Academic revision:
“In my view, this is a significant issue.”
Seek feedback from peers fluent in academic English, or use language editing tools to spot unnatural constructions.
Repetitive Language and Redundancy
Repeating the same idea with different words or using unnecessary adjectives and adverbs can make your writing wordy. Journal editors value conciseness.
Instead of:
“The results that were obtained from the experiment conducted in the laboratory were found to be very reliable and dependable.”
Write:
“The laboratory results were reliable.”
Word economy matters in academic writing. Each sentence should serve a purpose.
Improper Use of Academic Tone
Casual, conversational, or overly emotional language has no place in journal writing. Phrases like “obviously,” “we all know,” or “this is a fantastic discovery” weaken academic credibility.
Avoid:
“This result is amazing and very helpful for society.”
Use:
“This result presents significant implications for public policy.”
Academic tone should remain formal, neutral, and evidence-based.
Misuse of Connectors and Transitions
Words like “however,” “thus,” “moreover,” and “on the other hand” help create logical flow. But when used incorrectly, they confuse the reader and disrupt coherence.
Incorrect:
“The method was simple. However, it was easy to apply.”
Correct:
“The method was simple and easy to apply.”
Mastering transitions improves readability and helps your argument progress smoothly.
Failure to Proofread Before Submission
One of the most avoidable yet common mistakes is submitting a paper without proofreading. Typos, missing words, and formatting issues create a poor impression, even if your content is strong.
Use proofreading tools like Grammarly, or better yet, ask a colleague to read your work. Reading aloud also helps catch awkward phrasing and missing links.
Conclusion
Language errors can silently sabotage your chances of getting published in academic journals. They distract reviewers from your actual research contribution and can result in rejection even before peer review. For Indian scholars aiming to publish in reputed journals, mastering clarity, grammar, academic tone, and structure is not just a skill—it’s a necessity. By being mindful of these common issues and actively addressing them in your drafts, you can present your research with the polish and professionalism that journals expect.