Definitions And Terminology:
Each technical term used in a dissertation must be defined either by a reference to a previously published definition (for standard terms with their usual meaning) or by a precise, unambiguous definition that appears before the term is used (for a new term or a standard term used in an unusual way).
Each term should be used in one and only one way throughout the dissertation.
The easiest way to avoid a long series of definitions is to include a statement: ``the terminology used throughout this document follows that given in [CITATION].'' Then, only define exceptions.
The introductory chapter can give the intuition (i.e., informal definitions) of terms provided they are defined more precisely later.
Terms And Phrases To Avoid:
adverbs
Mostly, they are very often overly used. Use strong words instead. For example, one could say, ``Writers abuse adverbs.''
jokes or puns
They have no place in a formal document.
``bad'', ``good'', ``nice'', ``terrible'', ``stupid''
A scientific dissertation does not make moral judgements. Use ``incorrect/correct'' to refer to factual correctness or errors. Use precise words or phrases to assess quality (e.g., ``method A requires less computation than method B''). In general, one should avoid all qualitative judgements.
``true'', ``pure'',
In the sense of ``good'' (it is judgemental).
``perfect''
Nothing is.
``an ideal solution''
You're judging again.
``today'', ``modern times''
Today is tomorrow's yesterday.
``soon''
How soon? Later tonight? Next decade?
``we were surprised to learn...''
Even if you were, so what?
``seems'', ``seemingly'',
It doesn't matter how something appears;
``would seem to show''
all that matters are the facts.
``in terms of''
usually vague
``based on'', ``X-based'', ``as the basis of''
careful; can be vague
``different''
Does not mean ``various''; different than what?
``in light of''
colloquial
``lots of''
vague & colloquial
``kind of''
vague & colloquial
``type of''
vague & colloquial
``something like''
vague & colloquial
``just about''
vague & colloquial
``number of''
vague; do you mean ``some'', ``many'', or ``most''? A quantative statement is preferable.
``due to''
colloquial
``probably''
only if you know the statistical probability (if you do, state it quantatively
``obviously, clearly''
be careful: obvious/clear to everyone?
``simple''
Can have a negative connotation, as in ``simpleton''
``along with''
Just use ``with''
``actually, really''
define terms precisely to eliminate the need to clarify
``the fact that''
makes it a meta-sentence; rephrase
``this'', ``that''
As in ``This causes concern.'' Reason: ``this'' can refer to the subject of the previous sentence, the entire previous sentence, the entire previous parag
