How can you write academic papers without using jargon?

Jargon is the specialized vocabulary of a particular field or profession, such as linguistics. While it can be useful for communicating with experts, it can also create barriers for readers who are not familiar with the terms and concepts. If you want to write academic papers that are clear, accessible, and engaging, you need to avoid using jargon or explain it well. Here are some tips on how to do that.

1 Know your audience

The first step to avoid using jargon is to know who you are writing for. What is their level of knowledge and interest in your topic? What are their expectations and needs? Depending on your audience, you may need to adjust your language, tone, and style. For example, if you are writing for a general audience, you may want to use more common words, examples, and analogies. If you are writing for a specialized audience, you may want to use more technical terms, definitions, and references.

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Aliaksei Rudak

CEO at Lingvanex - Advanced Language Technologies powered by AI
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Today theres is no need to take care of jargon for any kind of text you writing. Same for academic papers. You can write in any style. Because you can use fine-tuned large language models to change your text stylistics on-the-fly. In our experiments in we reached 95% of successful style change for the set of 300 sentences. For example you can change informal style to formal or academic.

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2 Define and simplify

The second step to avoid using jargon is to define and simplify any terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar or confusing to your readers. You can do this by providing a clear and concise explanation, using synonyms or paraphrases, or giving examples or illustrations. For example, if you are writing about phonetics, you may want to explain what a vowel is, use a word like sound or voice instead of phoneme, or show a diagram of the vocal tract. You can also use footnotes, endnotes, or glossaries to provide additional information without interrupting the flow of your text.

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3 Be consistent and precise

The third step to avoid using jargon is to be consistent and precise in your word choice and usage. You can do this by using the same term or expression throughout your paper, avoiding ambiguity or vagueness, and checking for accuracy and clarity. For example, if you are writing about syntax, you may want to use the same labels and symbols for the same categories and functions, avoid using terms like thing or stuff, and make sure your sentences are grammatically correct and coherent.

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4 Use plain language

The fourth step to avoid using jargon is to use plain language that is easy to read and understand. You can do this by using short and simple sentences, active and direct verbs, concrete and specific nouns, and familiar and natural words. For example, if you are writing about semantics, you may want to use sentences like "The meaning of a word depends on the context" instead of "The semantic value of a lexical item is determined by the pragmatic factors". You can also use transitions, headings, and summaries to organize and highlight your main points.

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Rodrigo Costa dos Santos

Professor and Researcher | Applied Linguistics and Digital Media
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When writing academic papers, explain the topic in your own words. Be simple, as you would be talking in person. Then, consider what might be missing from that (always with your audience in mind) and add the information concisely.

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5 Seek feedback

The fifth step to avoid using jargon is to seek feedback from others who can help you improve your writing. You can do this by asking someone who is not an expert in your field to read your paper and tell you if they understand it, if they find it interesting, and if they have any questions or suggestions. You can also ask someone who is an expert in your field to read your paper and tell you if they find it accurate, relevant, and convincing. You can then revise your paper based on the feedback you receive and make it more jargon-free.

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6 Use tools and resources

The sixth step to avoid using jargon is to use tools and resources that can help you check and enhance your writing. You can do this by using software, websites, or apps that can analyze your text and give you feedback on its readability, complexity, and vocabulary. For example, you can use Hemingway Editor, Grammarly, or Wordnik to identify and correct jargon, grammar, or spelling errors, or to find synonyms, definitions, or examples. You can also use dictionaries, thesauruses, or style guides to find and follow the best practices for academic writing.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Kristīna Korneliusa

Junior Lecturer & Expert at Latvijas Universitate | PhD Student | Linguist | Translator | Content Creator
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If you are not a native speaker of the language you are writing in, make sure to study the differences between different language registers. Sadly, you cannot rely on intuition in this case, but knowledge will be your strength.

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Swaroop Shetty

Growth analyst @ Kreo | Masters in Logistics & Supply Chain | Strategy • Operations • Growth • Analytics |
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Revision: Edit and proofread your paper carefully to catch errors, improve clarity, and ensure overall coherence. Objectivity: Maintain a neutral tone and avoid personal biases. Present evidence objectively, allowing readers to form their own conclusions. Structure: Organize your paper logically, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section should contribute to the overall flow of your argument. Grammar and Style: Follow grammatical rules and adhere to the appropriate style guide (e.g., APA, MLA). Consistent use of grammar and style conventions enhances the professionalism of your writing.

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How can you write academic papers without using jargon?

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1 Know your audience

2 Define and simplify

3 Be consistent and precise

4 Use plain language

5 Seek feedback

6 Use tools and resources

7 Here’s what else to consider

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