From the Examiner’s Desk

Lesson 4 of 20

Avoid Starting Sentences with “It”

“I frequently examine theses in which years of excellent research are obscured by weak writing.”

You have spent years conducting your research. Will your writing allow your examiner to recognise its true value?

Why Students Do This

‘It is’ constructions often feel formal, but they hide the real subject of the sentence.

Why Examiners Notice

Repeated indirect openings slow reading and weaken the impact of otherwise good writing.

Before and After

Before: It is important to consider sample size.
After: Researchers should consider sample size.

Before: It was found that enzyme activity increased.
After: Enzyme activity increased.

How to Improve Your Writing

Search for sentences beginning with ‘It’. Replace ‘It’ with the real subject whenever possible. Use direct, active wording.

From My Examiner’s Notes

Weak writing hides strong research.

Quick Editing Checklist

• Search for ‘It’ openings.
• Replace with the real subject.
• Use direct wording.
• Read aloud.
• Edit for clarity.

Key Take-home Message

Every sentence should tell the reader immediately what it is about.

Final Thought

Your thesis represents years of intellectual effort. Make sure it is judged on the quality of your research—not the quality of your writing.

Dr Anastasia Apostolides

PhD Examiner, Thesis Editor, Proposal & Academic Consultant

Helping Master’s, MBA, DBA and PhD students submit with confidence.

💬 WhatsApp with Dr Anastasia Apostolides (reasonable hours)

📩 Email: info@uedit.org

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