Writing Tips for Science and Medical Authors

The writing tips on this page feature a selection of articles about writing style for medical and scientific manuscripts.

Unlike grammar and spelling, writing style is not a matter of right or wrong, of strict rules to follow in every circumstance. Style is, however, a tool that you may use to your advantage. Your style choices will help determine how clear and comprehensible your science writing is—and therefore the impact that your message has on your readers.

Each article discusses a particular aspect of writing style, such as active voice, passive voice, and qualifiers. These style choices are among those that I look for when editing a document at the Advanced Science Editing level.

If you would like to see a topic included here, please let me know—suggestions are always welcome. New articles will be added regularly.

In addition to following the links to articles about writing style below, visit English Grammar Tips and Style Guides for information on grammar, spelling, punctuation, word usage, and formatting of your manuscript.

For editing and proofreading tips, please visit the Editing Tips pages, where you can also download a free PDF of common proofreading marks.

A to Z Writing Articles

• Active Voice or Passive Voice?


• "Hedging" in Scientific Writing


• The Value of the Passive Voice

Do you have a question about writing style? Contact me online and I'll be happy to help.

For information on scientific and medical editing, please visit Science Editing Services.