One of the most common errors made by non-native English speakers is having subject(s) and verb(s) that do not agree in number. Here, we discuss some common subject-verb agreement rules. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular If the subject is plural, the verb should also be … [Read more...]
Which versus that
Another common error made by non-native English speakers (and native English speakers!) is the use of “which” and “that”. The pH values of soil samples, which were obtained at night, ranged from 4.1 to 6.5. The pH values of soil samples that were obtained at night ranged from 4.1 to … [Read more...]
Verb tenses in scientific manuscripts
A key aspect of producing a well-written scientific manuscript worthy of publication is the use of appropriate verb tenses in the different sections of the manuscript. Here, we discuss when/where/how to use the different verb tenses. Examples of the verb tenses used in two well-written published … [Read more...]
Reproducibility and data repositories
Reproducibility and data repositories The scientific method is founded on confirming results through repeat experiments. By replicating the results of a study, researchers can confidently claim the results are a true effect, rather than an anomaly. Even better than this, is the replication of … [Read more...]
Don’t fall prey to “predatory” journals
What are predatory journals? Predatory journals are profiteering “individuals or companies”, who use the open-access publishing system to exploit authors, by charging them article processing fees without providing the high quality editorial services associated with legitimate journals [1]. How … [Read more...]
