Prefer Simpler Words
Lesson 13 of 20 Thesis Editing Tips
From the Examiner’s Desk
“I frequently examine theses in which years of excellent research are obscured by weak writing.”
Many writing guides focus on grammar.
This lesson focuses on readability.
Its purpose is to help readers understand your ideas more quickly and with less effort.
As a PhD examiner and thesis editor, I often see students choose complicated words because they believe they sound more academic.
In reality, the opposite is usually true.
The best academic writing is not the writing that uses the biggest words.
It is the writing that communicates complex ideas as clearly as possible.
Whenever a simple word expresses your meaning just as accurately as a complicated one, choose the simpler word.
Your readers will appreciate it.
Why Simpler Words Are Better
Many formal words entered English from Latin or French.
Although these words are perfectly acceptable, they are not always the clearest choice.
Academic writing should communicate ideas—not test your reader’s vocabulary.
Choosing simpler words often makes sentences:
• Easier to read.
• More natural.
• More direct.
• Just as precise.
Simple language allows readers to concentrate on your research instead of your wording.
Common Examples
Instead of writing:
❌ utilise
write:
✅ use
❌ commence
✅ begin
❌ terminate
✅ end
❌ initiate
✅ start
❌ facilitate
✅ help
❌ illustrate
✅ show
❌ eliminate
✅ remove
❌ anticipate
✅ expect
❌ allocate
✅ assign
❌ accelerate
✅ speed up
Always choose the word that communicates your meaning most clearly.
Examples from Academic Writing
Example 1
❌ The researchers utilised a questionnaire to obtain the data.
✅ The researchers used a questionnaire to collect the data.
The revised sentence is shorter, clearer and more natural.
Example 2
❌ The investigation commenced in January.
✅ The investigation began in January.
Exactly the same meaning.
Fewer words.
Example 3
❌ The treatment facilitated recovery.
✅ The treatment improved recovery.
Or, if appropriate:
✅ The treatment helped patients recover.
The second version is usually easier to understand.
Example 4
❌ The authors demonstrated that the intervention reduced disease severity.
✅ The authors showed that the intervention reduced disease severity.
In many disciplines, both words are acceptable.
The shorter version often reads more smoothly.
When Longer Words Are Appropriate
Some technical terms cannot be simplified.
For example, words such as photosynthesis, polymerase, pharmacokinetics, and bioinformatics have precise scientific meanings and should be used where appropriate.
The goal is not to replace technical terminology.
The goal is to avoid unnecessarily complicated words when a simpler alternative communicates exactly the same meaning.
💬 WhatsApp with Dr Anastasia Apostolides (reasonable hours)
Why Examiners Notice This
Examiners read hundreds of pages.
Complicated vocabulary slows reading without necessarily improving precision.
Students who rely on unnecessarily formal words often appear to be writing to impress rather than to communicate.
The strongest theses explain difficult ideas using straightforward language.
Clear writing demonstrates confidence.
Practical Editing Strategies
When proofreading your thesis:
• Highlight long or unfamiliar words.
• Ask yourself:
“Would a shorter word communicate exactly the same meaning?”
If the answer is yes, choose the simpler word.
Replace unnecessary complexity with plain English whenever appropriate.
Remember:
Your goal is not to impress readers with your vocabulary.
Your goal is to help them understand your research.
Quick Editing Checklist
Before submitting your thesis, ask yourself:
✓ Can I replace a complicated word with a simpler one?
✓ Does the shorter word preserve the meaning?
✓ Am I writing to communicate rather than to impress?
✓ Would another researcher understand my writing immediately?
✓ Have I chosen clarity over complexity?
Key Takeaway
The purpose of academic writing is not to sound intelligent.
It is to communicate intelligent ideas.
Simple language does not weaken your research.
It strengthens your communication.
When a shorter word communicates the same meaning, choose it.
Your readers—and your examiner—will thank you.
Need Professional Thesis Editing?
If you would like an experienced PhD examiner to review your thesis before submission, I’d be happy to help.
Whether you need a complete thesis edit, advice on improving clarity or feedback on a proposal, feel free to get in touch.
Dr Anastasia Apostolides
PhD Examiner • Thesis Editor • Proposal & Academic Consultant
Helping Master’s, MBA, DBA and PhD students write with clarity and confidence.
💬 WhatsApp with Dr Anastasia Apostolides (reasonable hours)
📧 Email: info@uedit.org
📍 uedit.org
Continue Learning
This article is part of the 20 Thesis Editing Tips series.
Continue to the next lesson or explore the complete collection of free thesis resources to strengthen every stage of your academic writing.