Even groundbreaking research can face rejection due to language errors in manuscripts. As a senior academic editor, I’ve seen exceptional studies struggle because of unclear writing, inconsistent grammar, or misuse of terms.
Reviewers and journals expect polished, professional language. In this guide, I’ll share the most common language errors in manuscripts and how to fix them — with real examples, editing tools, and professional tips.
Alt text: Academic editor proofreading manuscript with pen and laptop.
What Are Common Language Errors in Manuscripts?
Language issues often lead to lower readability and negative reviewer impressions. Common categories include grammar, syntax, tone, and structure.
For professional guidelines, refer to:
Ambiguous and Wordy Sentences in Manuscripts
Many authors write long, complex sentences that make ideas hard to follow.
Example:
“The results which were obtained from the experiments that were conducted suggest that there might be a possible correlation between X and Y.”
Better:
“The experimental results suggest a possible correlation between X and Y.”
How to fix:
- Use short, clear sentences.
- Focus on one idea at a time.
Helpful tool: Hemingway Editor highlights overly complex sentences and passive voice.
Inconsistent Verb Tenses in Manuscripts
Inconsistent tenses cause confusion about timelines.
Example:
“The study investigates the effects of stress. Participants were selected randomly.”
Better:
“The study investigated the effects of stress. Participants were selected randomly.”
Fix:
- Use past tense for Methods and Results.
- Use present tense for Discussion or general facts.
See examples in APA Style Guidelines.
Misuse of Articles and Prepositions
Incorrect use of “a,” “an,” or “the” is among the top language errors in manuscripts written by non-native English speakers.
Example:
“We used microscope to analyze sample.”
Better:
“We used a microscope to analyze the sample.”
📘 Fix with tools: Grammarly or LanguageTool to auto-detect article and preposition errors.
Overuse of Passive Voice in Manuscripts
Too much passive voice reduces clarity and engagement.
Example:
“The experiment was conducted, and results were recorded.”
Better:
“We conducted the experiment and recorded the results.”
Tool tip: Trinka AI is designed for academic editing and can flag unnecessary passives while maintaining formal tone.
Reference and Citation Errors
Improper citations often cause rejection — and yes, this counts as part of language accuracy.
Fix:
Use trusted reference tools like:
Ensure your references are formatted per journal style (APA, IEEE, Chicago).
Why Language Consistency Matters in Manuscript Editing
Maintaining consistent style and tone builds reviewer trust. Use one spelling system (American or British English), consistent abbreviations, and verified terminology.
For deeper learning, check out Elsevier Author Resources.
How PaperEdit Helps You Avoid Language Errors
At PaperEdit, our editors specialize in academic proofreading and manuscript editing that eliminates subtle language issues. We combine AI tools and human expertise to ensure:
- Journal-ready grammar and structure
- Correct terminology
- Style guide compliance
- Clarity and readability