A.
Describing the scope of a current project or prior research
Purpose Original Word/Phrase Recommended Substitute
To express the purpose of a aims to This paper + [use the verb that
paper or research originally followed "aims to"] or
This paper/ study/ This paper + (any other verb
investigation… listed above as a substitute for
“explain”) +
who/what/when/where/how X.
For example:
“This paper applies X to Y,”
instead of, “This paper aims to
apply X to Y.”
“This paper explores how lower
sun exposure impacts moods,”
instead of, “This paper aims to
address the impact of lower sun
exposure on moods.”
To introduce the topic of a discusses surveys
project or paper presents questions
The paper/ study/ article/ work…
highlights
Prior research/ investigations…
outlines
features
investigates
To describe the analytical scope considers evaluates
of a paper or study analyzes interprets
The paper/ study/ article/ work…
explains clarifies
Prior research/ investigations…
identifies
delves into
advances
appraises
defines
dissects
probes
tests
explores
*Adjectives to describe degree
can include: briefly, thoroughly,
adequately, sufficiently,
inadequately, insufficiently, only
partially, partially, etc.
To preview other sections of a covers outlines
paper deals with highlights
Section X…
talks about sketches
assesses
contemplates
[any of the verbs suggested as
replacements for “explain,”
“analyze,” and “consider” above]
B. Outlining a topic’s background
Purpose Original Word/Phrase Recommended Substitute
To discuss the historical plays an important in Topic significantly/considerably +
significance of a topic [nominalization] influences
Subject/ Mechanism… plays a vital role in controls
[nominalization]
regulates
directs
inhibits
constrains
governs
+ who/what/when/where/how…
*In other words, take the
nominalized verb and make it the
main verb of the sentence.
To describe the historical …is widely accepted as… Widely accepted, … [to eliminate
popularity of a topic …is widely used as… the weak be verb]
X Theory… The preferred…
Commonly/Frequently
implemented,… [to eliminate the
weak be verb]
The prevailing method for…
To describe the recent focus on Much attention has been drawn Discussions regarding X have
a topic to dominated research in recent
…has gained much importance years.
in recent years …has appealed to…
…has propelled to the forefront
in investigations of Y.
… has dramatically/significantly
shaped queries on X in recent
years.
…has critically influenced
academic dialogue on Y.
To identify the current majority The consensus has been that… Prior research generally confirms
opinion about a topic that…
Several studies agree that…
Prior research substantiates the
belief that…
To discuss the findings of indicate contend
existing literature have documented purport
Previous studies…
have demonstrated suggest
have shown that proffer
have proven that
evidence
To express the breadth of our Much is known about… The academic community has
current knowledge-base, But, little is known about… extensively explored X…
including gaps Prior research has thoroughly
investigated….
However, little research has
been conducted to show…
However, prior studies have
failed to evaluate/ identify / (any
other word suggested to replace
“analyze” above)
To segue into expressing your Several theories have been Recent/Previous studies have
research question proposed to explain… promoted…
To solve this problem, many Prior investigations have
researchers have tried several implemented/ queried diverse
methods approaches to…
A number of authors have
posited…
C. Describing the analytical elements of a paper
Purpose Original Word/Phrase Recommended Substitute
To express agreement between supports substantiates
one finding and another confirms
This paper/ study/ investigation
corroborates
underlines
To present contradictory findings calls into question challenges
This paper/ study/ investigation disputes
rebuts
refutes
disproves
debunks
invalidates
rejects
questions
To discuss limitations of a study The limitations of this paper These investigations, however,
include: disregards…
This method/ approach fails to…
This study only…
…falls short of addressing/
identifying / illustrating…
A drawback/disadvantage of this
framework is…
This framework, however, solely
pertains to…
D. Discussing results
Purpose Original Word/Phrase Recommended Substitute
To draw inferences from results suggest extrapolate
The data… show deduce
These findings… surmise
approximate
derive
extract
evidence
To describe observations appeared manifested
[Observed event or result]… was observed to surfaced
materialized
yielded
generated
perceived
detected
E. Discussing methods
Purpose Original Word/Phrase Recommended Substitute
To discuss methods used applied
This study… performed administered
X method… employed
diffused
disseminated
relayed
To describe simulations was created to… This study/ research…
A simulation… was used to… simulated
was performed to… replicated
imitated
“X environment/ condition to..”
[any of the verbs suggested as
replacements for “analyze”
above]
F. Explaining the impact of new research
Purpose Original Word/Phrase Recommended Substitute
To explain the impact of a demonstrates illustrates
paper’s findings shows proves
This paper/ study/ investigation
evidences
strengthens (the position that)
To highlight a paper’s conclusion establishes attributes
This paper/ study/ investigation proves illustrates
advances (the idea that)
To explain how research offers ushers in
contributes to the existing introduces proffers
knowledge-base
This paper/ study/ investigation conveys
promotes
advocates
introduces
broach (issue)
reveals
unveils
exposes
unearths
