Interlude: Language Bias, Methods Sections, and Misused Words
I've often heard peer reviewers suggest that researchers have "a native English speaker" edit their papers. Although I understand the intention behind this advice—to make the writing clearer—I think the issue could be approached more thoughtfully.
I believe that all researchers can benefit from working with a skilled editor. After all, many researchers have not had any training in writing beyond their undergraduate coursework. And everyone can use a little extra support to make their writing shine—even me!
But working with a native English speaker is not the answer. This suggestion, though well-meaning, can unintentionally reinforce language bias.
A great editor or writer doesn't need to be a native English speaker. And not all native English speakers are good editors.
I’ve edited many papers for native English speakers who needed support from a professional editor. And I've known many excellent editors and writers whose native language isn't English.
So rather than suggesting editing by "a native English speaker," let's encourage support from "a professional editor." This way, we keep the focus on the valuable skills and perspectives of editors who have invested in mastering their craft.
Now onto this week's round-up...
💌 Round-up
💻 From My Desk
The 3 Most Misused Words in Scientific Writing
Words hold the power of persuasion because they influence how readers think, act, and feel. And misusing words can chip away at the clarity and credibility of your writing. In this video, you’ll learn the three most misused words in scientific and medical writing—and how choosing the most precise words can strengthen your message.
📆 Upcoming
Anthill Med Comms Mixer – June 20, 2025 at 10 am PT
The world of medical communications is welcoming and supportive. The Anthill is hosting a free, online event for freelance medical writers to get to know colleagues, ask questions, and have fun. This informal, virtual event will include question prompts and breakout discussions and is open to anyone in medical communications.
👓 Reading
What your Methods section isn’t
"...because the thing that unifies my three recommendations is that everything about writing a paper should be done with the reader in mind. The kind of Methods section that serves your reader best may well not be the kind that’s most intuitive, or easiest, to write. But what’s most intuitive, or easiest, to write just doesn’t matter. The reader does."
Science-integrity project will root out bad medical papers ‘and tell everyone’
"The project, which has a US$900,000 grant from funder Open Philanthropy in San Francisco, California, to run for two years with a team of three to five people, aims specifically to root out flawed papers that have a serious impact on medical guidelines by skewing meta-analyses..."
🖥️ Watching
But why is he always reading during his hours of labour?
This video by @englishnjoyed is a fun skit on a common problem I see with subject-verb agreement. Tools like Grammarly often give incorrect advice on fixing this issue, so I highly recommend watching this video.
💭 Thoughts
The best way to describe complexity is with simplicity.
Thank you so much for reading.
Warmly,
Crystal
