10 Ways reduce the word count of your research paper

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10 ways to reduce the word count of your
research paper
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Word reduction can be difficult!
As an author, it is quite difficult to write
concisely. After all, you have so much to say!
But when submitting your manuscript to a journal,
you must ensure that you meet the required word
count.
At what stage should you reduce the word count of
your paper?
After writing your first draft! Review your
paper to identify content that could be made more
concise or shortened.
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• Let us look at some areas you can focus on to
  keep your manuscript concise

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1. Unwanted introductory phrases
Sentences beginning with there is a previous
study on, it has been reported that, etc., have
supporting citations.
Omit these phrases and keep only the citations.
EXAMPLE
Original 17 words
It has been reported that the incidence of
Alzheimers disease increases with age (Rogue et
al., 2004).
It has been reported that tThe incidence of
Alzheimers disease increases with age (Rogue et
al., 2004).
Revised 12 words
Note For all examples in this tutorial, deleted
text has been struck out and new text has been
underlined.
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2. Sentences with product names
Shorten such sentences by placing the product
name within parentheses.
Sentences that include product names are usually
longer.
EXAMPLE
Original 17 words
The samples were analyzed on the ABC
spectrophotometer (Zhejiang Scientific, Zhejiang,
China) to determine the xyz values. 
The samples were analyzed on the ABC
spectrophotometer to determine the xyz values
(ABC spectrometer Zhejiang Scientific, Zhejiang,
China).
Revised 15 words
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3. Nominalizations
Nominalization - using noun forms instead of verb
forms - increases wordiness.
Use verb forms as far as possible.
EXAMPLE
 A diagnosis of cancer was made on the basis of
the findings.
Original 12 words
A diagnosis of cCancer was diagnosedmade on the
basis of the findings.
Revised 9 words
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4. Values in the results section
In the results section, avoid stating individual
values for groups, followed by the values for
statistical significance.
Instead, place the values within parentheses.
EXAMPLE
The protein level was 5 mg in Group A, while it
was 3 mg in Group B, the difference being
statistically significant (p lt 0.05).
Original 25 words
The difference in the protein level was 5 mg
in between Ggroups A and B, while it was 3 mg in
Group b, the difference being statistically was si
gnificant (5 mg vs. 3 mg, p lt 0.05).
Revised 21 words
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5. Sentences with basic information
Often, sentences in the introduction or
discussion sections contain obvious information
that the audience already knows about.
It is important to set context, but avoid stating
the obvious!
EXAMPLE
If your paper is on AIDS, avoid statements such
as AIDS is a life-threatening disease. It is
clear that your audience would know about AIDS
and its impact on health. Get to the point,
instead, and talk about your research on AIDS.
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6. Wordy phrases
Simplify long phrases. Check a thesaurus or
dictionary for shorter ways to convey your
meaning.
Some of the most commonly used phrases in
academic writing are wordy!
EXAMPLES
Wordy phrases
Alternative words
a number of as a result on the other hand as a
consequence of
 several therefore whereas owing to
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7. Repeated verbs
If you are describing a series of procedures,
dont repeat the verbs.
Use elliptical sentences - shorter sentences
where some words have been omitted but they
retain the same meaning.
EXAMPLE
Group A was given cyclosporine, Group B was given
FK506, and Group C was given chlorambucil.
Original 16 words
Group A was given cyclosporine Group B, was
given FK506 and Group C, was given chlorambucil. 
Revised 12 words
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8. Hyphenation
Hyphenate terms wherever possible. Always check
whether the hyphenated terms have been used in
previously published papers.
Often, hyphenated words are counted as one word.
EXAMPLE
After rehabilitation, the patients came to rely
on themselves.
Original 9 words
After rehabilitation, the patients became
self-reliantcame to rely on themselves.
Revised 6 words
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9. Use of voice
Use the active voice wherever possible. Note that
this may be possible only with some types of
constructions.
In some cases, using the passive voice makes it
necessary to use more words.
EXAMPLE
Written  informed consent was given by all
patients.
Original 8 words
All patients gave Wwritten  informed consent was
given by all patients.
Revised 6 words
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10. Possessive constructions
Possessive constructions using of make it
necessary to frame descriptive phrases.
Avoid lengthy possessive constructions formed
using of.
EXAMPLE
Patients of Group 1 were followed up for 6
months, and those of Group 2, for 12 months.
Original 18 words
Patients of Group 1 patients were followed up for
6 months, whileand those of Group 2 patientswere
followed up, for 12 months.
Revised 15 words
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Quick recap
Herere 10 ways to reduce the word count of your
paper
Avoid wordy phrases.
Get rid of unwanted introductory phrases.
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1
Include product names within parentheses.
Use elliptical constructions to avoid repeating
verbs.
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Hyphenate whenever possible.
Avoid nominalizations.
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3
Use the active voice wherever possible.
Place values within parentheses.
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Avoid possessive constructions.
Omit sentences with basic information.
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Source 10 Tips to reduce the length of your
research paper, by Clarinda Cerejo http//www.edi
tage.com/insights/10-tips-to-reduce-the-length-of-
your-research-paper
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Things to remember!

1. Keep the context in mind when applying these
   techniques. Do not apply them blindly.
2. Do not cut out chunks of your paper to reduce its
   length. Your research content is important.
3. Read your paper again and again to check if there
   is scope for improvement.
4. Pay attention to your introduction and
   conclusion. You are more likely to get
   descriptive and add redundant text in these
   sections.
5. Practice, practice, and practice! Simplify your
   writing style to make it more concise.

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