​Tone & Syntax


EXPLANATION AND EXAMPLES

USING SYNTAX EFFECTIVELY

Syntax refers to the rules that govern sentence structure in any given language; it is the way words are put together to form a sentence. The key to developing an academic tone, or what you might have heard referred to as a scholarly voice, is learning to vary your syntax while still adhere to the conventions of economy of expression and precision and clarity. 

Consider this passage:​


syntax 1.png

What’s working well here? For one thing, we know exactly what the subjects did, right? In this manner, the passage is exemplifying precision and clarity. 

But…Is it at concise as it could be? Would you consider this a scholarly voice or academic tone? Probably not. 

Now, let’s look at a simple revision:​

 syntax 2.png

In this example, we have the same information still clear and precise, but presented with a much stronger academic tone. 

The key to achieving this is writing with varied syntax. 

Or, put another way, making sure that your sentences vary in length and structure so you maintain your reader’s interest without sacrificing the conventions of academic writing. 

Quick Tip: Avoid several sentences in a row that are structured in the same way and are about the same length. 

Here are some sentence structure variations you can incorporate into your own writing to enhance your academic tone:

syntax 3.png

MAINTAINING AN ACADEMIC TONE BY AVOIDING BIAS - READ MORE ABOUT THIS HERE​

According to APA (2010), researchers must be “committed both to science and to the fair treatment of individuals and groups, and this policy requires that authors. . .avoid perpetuating demeaning attitudes and biased assumptions about people in their writing” (pp. 70-71).

Tips for Reducing Bias - Gender (APA 3.12)

  • Gender is cultural and refers to role, not biological sex.
  • Sex is biological.
  • Do not use a masculine pronoun (e.g., he) to refer to both sexes.
  • Do not use masculine or feminine pronouns to define roles by sex (for example, always referring to nurses as she).
  • Transgender is an adjective used to refer to a person whose gender identity or expression is different from his or her sex at birth.
  • Do not use transgender as a noun.
  • For more information, see page p. 73-75 in APA 6th edition.​

Tips for Reducing Bias - Racial and Ethnic Identity (APA 3.14)

  • When using the word minority, use a modifier such as ethnic or racial to avoid association with meaning of being less than or oppressed.
  • Avoid describing groups differently.  For example, Black Americans refers to color while Asian Americans refers to cultural heritage.  Have parallel designations.
  • Do not use the term America to refer to the US population; be more specific
  • Racial and ethnic terms change often.  Consult Guidelines for Unbiased Language at www.apastyle.org or 3.14 in the 6th edition of the APA manual for appropriate language and terminology.

Tips for Reducing Bias - Disabilities (APA 3.15)

  • Use language that maintains the integrity of all human beings.  Avoid objectification and slurs.
  • In writing, use people-first language rather than focusing on disability.  For example, say person with autism rather than an autistic or an autistic person.
  • Avoid offensive, condescending euphemisms when describing people with disabilities, such as special or physically challenged.

Tips for Reducing Bias - Age (APA 3.16)

  • The terms girl and boy should be used for individuals under 12 years of age.
  • The terms young man and young woman are appropriate for individuals aged 13 to 17 years of age.
  • The terms man and woman are used for anyone aged 18 years or more.
  • Do not use senior and elderly as nouns.
  • For more information on appropriate language concerning age, please see page 76 in APA 6th edition.



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