Website lesson 10 awkward phrases
Replace Awkward Phrases with Simpler Words
Lesson 10 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 frequently read theses containing excellent research that is hidden behind awkward, wordy expressions.
The problem is seldom the quality of the research.
Instead, the writing forces readers to work harder than necessary.
Many awkward phrases appear because students believe they sound more formal or scholarly.
In reality, they often make sentences longer, less direct and more difficult to understand.
One of the quickest ways to improve your thesis is to replace awkward phrases with simple, precise language.
What Is an Awkward Phrase?
An awkward phrase is a group of words that can be replaced by a shorter, clearer alternative without changing the meaning.
For example:
❌ a majority of
✅ most
Both expressions mean exactly the same thing.
The shorter version is simply easier to read.
Replacing wordy expressions with precise alternatives makes your writing more direct and more professional.
Why Awkward Phrases Weaken Writing
Many students believe that longer expressions sound more academic.
In reality, unnecessary words often hide the main idea.
Awkward phrases can:
• Slow the reader.
• Make sentences longer than necessary.
• Hide the main point.
• Reduce the impact of your argument.
Good academic writing communicates ideas clearly rather than impressing readers with unnecessary complexity.
Common Examples
Instead of writing:
❌ a majority of
write:
✅ most
❌ a number of
✅ many
❌ a sufficient amount of
✅ enough
❌ according to our data
✅ we found
❌ after the conclusion of
✅ after
❌ all of the
✅ all the
❌ along the lines of
✅ like
❌ are of the same opinion
✅ agree
❌ at this point in time
✅ now
❌ due to the fact that
✅ because
Each revision makes the sentence shorter while preserving exactly the same meaning.
Examples from Academic Writing
Example 1
❌ A majority of the participants completed the questionnaire.
✅ Most participants completed the questionnaire.
The revised sentence is shorter and stronger.
Example 2
❌ The experiment was repeated due to the fact that contamination occurred.
✅ The experiment was repeated because contamination occurred.
Replacing five words with one immediately improves readability.
Example 3
❌ At this point in time, there is insufficient evidence.
✅ There is currently insufficient evidence.
Or even better:
✅ There is insufficient evidence.
The simplest version is often the strongest.
Example 4
❌ According to our data, the treatment improved survival.
✅ We found that the treatment improved survival.
The revised sentence is more direct and more engaging.
💬 WhatsApp with Dr Anastasia Apostolides (reasonable hours)
Why Examiners Notice This
One awkward phrase is unlikely to attract attention.
However, repeated wordy expressions throughout a thesis make reading slower and more tiring.
Good writing guides readers effortlessly from one idea to the next.
When unnecessary wording disappears, the research becomes much easier to appreciate.
Practical Editing Strategies
During your final edit, search for common wordy expressions such as:
• a majority of
• a number of
• due to the fact that
• according to our data
• at this point in time
• in order to
Ask yourself:
“Can I say this more simply?”
In most cases, the answer is yes.
Replacing only a few awkward phrases on each page can noticeably improve the overall quality of your writing.
Quick Editing Checklist
Before submitting your thesis, ask yourself:
✓ Have I replaced unnecessarily long phrases?
✓ Can any sentence be shortened without changing its meaning?
✓ Have I removed repetitive wording?
✓ Does each sentence sound natural when read aloud?
✓ Is my writing direct and precise?
Key Takeaway
Good academic writing is not measured by the number of words you use.
It is measured by how effectively you communicate your ideas.
Simple language does not make research less sophisticated.
It makes sophisticated research easier to understand.
Every time you replace a wordy phrase with a simpler alternative, you help your reader focus on your research instead of your writing.
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.