Academic writing style Developing academic English

Using language appropriate to both audience and task

The following questions may be helpful in checking the appropriateness of the language you have used:

• Is the sentence structure clear and concise?
• Have you used the relevant vocabulary specific to your subject, with explanations where helpful?
• Have you used a form of language that is appropriate for your audience?
• Have you presented different perspectives where necessary?
• Are linking words used to support the flow of ideas?

For an introduction to different writing styles for different subject areas and purposes, see Using an appropriate writing style.

Features of academic writing

Various subjects expect a more objective and formal writing style. The following resources explore ways to develop this style.

• Academic writing: abstraction (PDF)

  This guide from the University of Wollongong explains how to create and use abstract nouns to express complex ideas in academic writing.

• How to Use Clauses Effectively in Formal Writing

  Professor Scott's English website contains clear descriptions of the types of clauses used in formal writing with examples of common mistakes and how to correct them.

Building your vocabulary

Activities to develop your vocabulary and how to use concordancers to extend your vocabulary further.

• Activity: Learning new academic and specialised words

  Read the section 'Learning new academic and specialised words' in the free OpenLearn course 'English: skills for learning'. You'll need to sign in with your OU password to complete the activities.

• Activity: Concordancers for Academic English Study

  Watch the YouTube video from the EAP Foundation which reviews the four main online concordancers for academic English study.

Expressing complex ideas

The following resources will help you to express complex ideas using noun phrases, emphasis and modal verbs. Also included is 'hedging' which enables you to express subtle differences in meanings and make arguments cautiously, which is an important part of academic writing.

• Noun phrases

  Guidance on using noun phrases and activities from British Council Learn English.

• Emphasis

  Guidance from The Art of Grammar on using emphasis.

• Activity: Hedging and being cautious

  Look at the section on 'Hedging' in the free OpenLearn course 'English: skills for learning'. You'll need to sign in with your OU password to complete the activities.

• Activity: Modal verbs

  Modal verbs are often used to show caution in academic writing. This British Council Learn English resource will show you how to use a range of modal verbs.

• Activity: Being cautious

  Guidance from the University of Manchester Academic Phrasebank with a wide range of examples of how you can give your opinions in a cautious way. 

You might also like to watch recordings of study skills workshops in The Student Hub Live archive which look at developing a good academic argument, improving your academic writing and a range of other topics that could help your studies.