Writing

Books

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr

1. Form the possessive singular of nouns by adding's 單數名詞字尾加’s，構成名詞所有格
2. In a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last 敘述一系列超過三個以上的名詞，在最後一個名詞前使用連接詞，其餘的每個名詞以逗號分隔
3. Enclose parenthetic expressions between commas 將作附帶說明用的插入句放在兩個逗號中間
4. Place a comma before a conjunction introducing a co-ordinate clause 以連接詞 and 或 but 引介獨立子句，在連接詞的前方標示逗號
5. Do no join independent clauses by a comma 不可用逗號直接連接獨立子句
6. Do no break sentences in two 不可將句子任意拆成兩部分
7. A participial phrase at the beginning of a sentence must refer to the grammatical subject 在行末須將單詞拆成兩半時，必須遵守構字和發音的法則
8. Make the paragraph the unit of composition: one paragraph to each topic 將每個段落視為一個單位：每個段落有其中心宗旨
9. As a rule, begin each paragraph with a topic sentence, end it in conformity with the beginning. 每個段落以一句主題句 (topic sentence)開頭，結尾須與開頭呼應
10. Use the active voice. 使用主動語態
11. Put statement in positive form. 盡量使用肯定句
12. Use definite, specific, concrete language.
13. Omit needless words. 刪除贅字
14. Avoid a succession of loose sentences 避免連續使用結構鬆散的句子
15. Express co-ordinate ideas in similar form 以相似的句型結構敘述對等的概念
16. Keep related words together 將相關的詞放在一起
17. In summaries, keep to one tense 摘要敘述時，維持同一時態
18. Place the emphatic words of a sentence at the end 將欲強調的詞或詞組放在句子末尾

英文寫作風格的要素（中英完整版）, 英文寫作風格的要素

How to Write it

How to Write it - A complete guide to everything you'll ever write by Sandra Lamb

Online tools

• The 5 Best Grammar Checkers
• The 7 Best Grammar and Punctuation Sites
• Hemingway Editor $20 Windows/Mac

AI Paraphrase tool

Avoid plagiarism checks

• https://quillbot.com/
• https://www.wordtune.com/

Writing that works

• https://twitter.com/dickiebush/status/1402061441583259649
• Amazon
• http://toefl.uobabylon.edu.iq/papers/itp_2015_41931767.pdf

Ten simple rules for structuring papers

http://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005619

Writing Resources

NIH Library

Writing in the Sciences

• Simple rules for concise scientific writing 2020
• Essentials of writing biomedical research papers, Mimi Zeiger, McGraw Hill. Use past tense for completed actions:

    We found that ...
    Weomen were more likely to ...
    Men smoked more cigarettes than ...
    The avergae reaction time was ...
  

  Use the present tense for assertions that continue to be true, such as what the tables show, what you believe, and what the data suggest:

    Figure 1 shows ...
    The findings confirm ...
    The data suggest ...
    We believe that this shows ...
  

  Others

  Further investigations must be undertaken.
  

• Past Or Present Tense In Scientific Writing For Research Papers & Thesis
• Which Tense Should Be Used in Abstracts: Past or Present?
• Top 10 Tips for Designing Graphical Abstracts, Ten simple rules for designing graphical abstracts
• INFOGRAPHIC: The secret to using tenses in scientific writing
• Using past and present tenses in research writing

Reading a scientific paper

Ten simple rules for reading a scientific paper

Writing academic papers

How to improve your academic writing

Words instead of very

Words instead of very

Review papers

How to review a paper

Readings

• Angelika Hofmann. Scientific writing and communication. Oxford University Press. 2010.
• Ten simple rules for developing good reading habits during graduate school and beyond

Grammar

Punctuation

• http://www.thepunctuationguide.com/

a, an

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-%22A%22-and-%22An%22-Correctly

See some instances below

• What is an STL sequence? // NOT What is 'a' STL sequence?
• In a single-cell organism ... // NOT An
• Assuming that you have an SSH server running ...
• It also adds an S3 print method for the returned object.
• Saving scan results in an XML format. Scan results can be written into an XML file.
• Senate Republicans and the White House should drop their inexplicable opposition to an FBI investigation.
• How to clean an RV shower.
• Pathways with an FDR-adjusted p-value less than 0.1 were identified.
• A utility for easy downloading of reads from NGS repositories like NCBI SRA.
• The authorities has rejected an ultimatum to surrender the besieged city to the advancing enemy.
• "A USB" or "An USB". The correct article to use before “USB” is “a” because the first sound is a “y” rather than a “u”/
• An NI (noninferiority) trial.

On vs in vs for

• How to move the taskbar icons to the left on Windows 11, How to format an SSD on Windows 10
• 6 Android apps that you'd actually want to install on Windows 11
• 8 New features we're excited for in Windows 11
• Video DownloadHelper is now running on the same code base as Video DownloadHelper 7 for Firefox !
• This work was published in the Journal of Translational Medicine in June 2021
  • what is wrong with "on" instead of "in the"? "On" is used to indicate a specific location or surface, whereas "in" is used to indicate a location within a larger area or container. In this case, "on" is not the appropriate preposition to use because the journal is not a specific location or surface, but rather a publication within the larger field of medicine. So "in the" is more appropriate as it indicates that the journal is a container within the field of medicine.

Apostrophes

http://www.writing-kit.com/apostrophes/

upper-left

• It's on the upper right side.
• It's in the bottom left corner.
• "at the top" or "at the bottom"
• "on the left side" or "on the right side"

See http://www.phrasemix.com/phrases/the-top-bottom-right-left-corner

Conjunction

Conjunctions

Semicolon

• How to Use a Semicolon Correctly
• (From the paper "ASSESSMENT AND COMPARISON OF PROGNOSTIC CLASSIFICATION SCHEMES FOR SURVIVAL DATA") Table I. Prognostic study in node negative breast cancer: results from full Cox model and backward elimination.

[math]\displaystyle{ \hat{\beta} }[/math], estimated log-relative risk; RR, relative risk; P, P-value (full Cox model); [math]\displaystyle{ \hat{\beta}_{BE} }[/math], estimated log-relative risk of selected factors after backward elimination

Colon

These Are the Only Ways You Should Be Using a Colon

which

• Source.
  • If you use a French press, a percolator, or prefer to drink espresso, then your coffee consists of a significantly higher amount of cafestol than if you use paper filtered or instant coffee, which causes the body’s low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels to rise.
  • Since the discovery of the coffee plant, which is said to have originated in Ethiopia when a goat herder noticed his goats’ increased energy levels after they accidentally consumed the unknown berries, science has made great advances in the coffee world.
• More examples
  • The change, which is scheduled to come into effect on Jan. 1, is widely viewed as an effort by the government to satisfy U.S. prerquisites for any negotiations on a bilateral trade deal.

"whether" vs "could"

"whether" is used for decision making and "could" for ability or possibility in the past or making polite requests.

"Whether" is used to introduce a choice or decision that must be made, usually between two possibilities. It is used to express uncertainty or doubt about which choice to make or which possibility is true. It often comes at the beginning of a sentence and is followed by a clause that presents the options being considered.

For example:

"I'm not sure whether to take the bus or the train."
"I need to decide whether to accept the job offer or not."

"Could" is the past tense of "can" and is used to indicate possibility or ability in the past. It can also be used as a polite way of making a request or asking permission.

For example:

"He could speak four languages fluently."
"Could I borrow your pen?"

may vs might

"May" is used to express a greater degree of certainty, and is often used to express permission or a possibility in the present or future. For example, "You may leave early if you finish your work" or "It may rain tomorrow."

"Might" is used to express a lesser degree of certainty, and is often used to express a possibility in the future, or a theoretical or hypothetical possibility. For example, "She might come to the party" or "This decision might have consequences."

That being said vs. That means

https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/that-being-said-vs-that-means.1140815/

be compared to vs be compared with

• "Compared to" is generally used when drawing similarities or highlighting similarities between two things that are not identical. It often implies that one thing is similar or alike to another in some way, but not necessarily identical or equal. For example, "The cost of living in this city is high compared to other cities in the region."
• "Compared with" is generally used when highlighting differences or contrasting two things that are not identical. It often implies that one thing is different or dissimilar from another in some way. For example, "The nutritional value of the fruit can be compared with that of a vegetable."
  • The presence of an IDH1 mutation (IDH1-MUT) is associated with prolonged survival of glioma patients compared with IDH1 wild-type (IDH1-WT) patients.
  • KM plot shows approximately sixfold prolonged survival of IDH1-MUT glioma patients (red) compared with IDH1-WT glioma patients (blue).

'I.e.' and 'E.g.'

When to Use 'I.e.' and 'E.g.'

anytime vs any time

Anytime vs. Any Time: What’s the Difference? from https://writingexplained.org/.

everyone vs every one

• grammarly.com
• Everyone vs. Every One: What’s the Difference?
• 'Every Day' vs. 'Everyday' (and Other Homonyms You’re Probably Mixing Up All the Time). Anyone vs any one. Everyone vs every one.

no is singular or plural

Should “no” be followed by a singular or a plural noun?

Comma before "which" and "who"

• When the information provided by the clause starting with "which" or "who" is required to define the person (or thing), then there are no commas.
• If the clause provides just additional information, then use commas. It also means the clause can be put in parentheses or even we can delete the clause.

Grammar-monster. Examples:

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. (which can be replaced with "that")

Philosophy is written in the universe, which stands continually open to our gaze.

The boy who broke our window brought some flowers to the door. (Correct)
It is very important that people who get the first shot of the vaccine get the second shot.

Jeremy Buxton of 16 High Street who was born in Boston is the second person from the village to represent the country at basketball. (Incorrect)

Maxn cats, which live on the Isle of Man, have a longer life expectancy than normal domestic cats. (Manx cats have a longer life expectancy than normal cats.)

Maxn cats which live on the Isle of Man have a longer life expectancy than normal domestic cats. (Only Manx cats living on the Isle of Man have a longer life expectancy.)

Another example.

• A comma splice 逗號拼接 occurs when two independent clauses are joined together with only a comma.
• If we remove the comma in the following sentence, the clause “which makes them cheaper and reduces energy consumption” now only refers to the “no DRAM” part of the sentence, rather than the whole concept of “DRAM-less SSDs”.
• It is not necessarily the clause after the comma symbol is optional. It is used to explain the first clause. If the information in the 2nd clause is not important in your context, you could leave it out.
• The use of “which” without a comma before it often introduces a restrictive clause. For example, “I need a book which has detailed illustrations”.
• The use of a comma before “which” can often be determined by whether the clause it introduces is independent or dependent. If “which” introduces a nonrestrictive clause (also known as a nonessential or additional clause), it should be preceded by a comma. For example, “My car, which is red, needs a wash”.
• On the other hand, if “which” introduces a restrictive clause (also known as an essential or defining clause), it should not be preceded by a comma. For example, “The book which I read last week was excellent”.

DRAM-less SSDs have no DRAM, which makes them cheaper and reduces energy consumption.

could be written using a semicolon (or period)

DRAM-less SSDs have no DRAM; this makes them cheaper and reduces energy consumption.

a Hyphen Versus a Dash

Here’s When to Use a Hyphen Versus a Dash

Up- and down-regulated genes

• See General Principle 5 in When do you need to use a hyphen for compound words?
• https://www.grammarly.com/blog/hyphen/

"for example"

12 Ways to Use "for Example" for Clearer Writing

• (beginning) ... For example, chalkboard paint allows kids to draw on walls.
• (middle) ... Vinegar, for example, will clean most things.
  • Kelly expected us to bring our own supplies, for example, our notebooks and pens.
  • Becky measured out her ingredients (for example flour and sugar) before she started baking.
  • Find ways to fit activity into your day; for example, you could take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• (end) "The diet does require you to eliminate a few things from your diet—sugar, for example." "Learn a new language through immersion by changing the default language on your phone, for example."

The more, the ... =

The more treatments there are for advanced kidney cancer, the better off everyone will be. MedicineNet

Apps

Two Useful Apps To Turn Your Writing From Good To Great

• Grammarly
• 5 Free Alternatives to Grammarly for Students
  • Typely
  • Slick Write
  • Language Tool
  • Hemingway App
  • Virtual Writing Tutor
• Hemingway Editor

Reedsy

4 Ways Reedsy Can Help Improve Your Creative Writing

Letters

Cover letter

• 6 Skills People Good At Writing Cover Letters Never Told You
  • Always Keep it Crisp
  • Do Your Homework
  • Draft it Up
  • Go for Broke
  • Lean on A Friend
• How to Write the Perfect Personal Letter
• How to Write a Cover Letter

Recommendation letter

• How to Ask Your Professor for a Letter of Recommendation Via Email

Goodbye letter

https://m.wikihow.com/Write-Goodbye-Letters

Writing Words of Condolence

• With deep regret we say good-bye to our esteemed colleague XXX. Our sympathies go out to his family.
• I am very sorry. I like to think that they will always with us in a way. Sending love and strength to you.
• I am so sorry that you are going through this. XXXX are so special.
• My condolences to you and your family.
• Sending warm thoughts. Take good care.

Web Tools

• Take 5 Minutes To Read And Improve Your Writing Skills Forever - several recommended books for writing
• https://labs.foxtype.com/politeness Help write more polite messages
• 20 Not-So-Popular Websites Students Should Visit to Make Studying Easier
• Come Up With the Perfect Name for Anything

Rewordify

https://rewordify.com/index.php

Shorten

• http://www.ironicsans.com/thsrs/
• 35 Text Abbreviations You Should Know (and How to Use Them)

Word of the Day

• https://www.nytimes.com/column/learning-word-of-the-day

Email

How to Write an Effective Email Quickly (4 AI Tools You Can Use)

Acronyms 縮寫

• 15 Email Acronyms You Should Use for Catchy Subject Lines
• https://acronymfinder.com/
• What Does “JSYK” Mean, and How Do You Use It?
• What Does “SMTH” Mean, and How Do You Use It? “Something”
• WLOG

How to End an Email

• How to End an Email: 15 Examples of Professional Closings
• How to End an Email (With Closing Examples)
• How to End an Email Message With Closing Examples
• How to End Any Professional Email (Plus a List of Sign-Offs for When You’re Tired of Saying “Best”)

Got it

• 19+ Ways to Formally Say “Got It”
• 向上司、同事表达“我收到了

Common office emails

• I'll make sure to follow up on this matter
• I appreciate your understanding in this matter
• Could you please provide more details about the issue
• I'm writing to request an extension for the deadline
• Please find attached the updated report
• Attached are the updated files for your review
• Attached are the meeting minutes for your reference
• I appreciate it if you could review the proposal
• I'm writing to request your assistance in resolving the issue
• I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused
• I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter
• I apologize for any confusion caused
• I apologize for the delay in my response
• Please let me know if you require any further assistance
• I'm writing to notify you of the change in venue
• I'll make sure to follow up on this issue
• I'm writing to follow up on our previous conversation

Formal Replies to confirm receipt of emails

10 Formal Replies to “Please Confirm Receipt of This Email”

Office jargon

Avoid Using This Confusing Workplace Jargon

Etiquette

23 Email Etiquette Rules You Still Need to Follow

What to Say when Your Boss Appreciates You

What to Say when Your Boss Appreciates You

Office conversations

• If someone asks me 'do you have any comments' in an office meeting and I don't have any comments. What should I say?
  • "I don't have anything to add at this time, but I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback." This politely declines while showing you are open to commenting in the future.
  • "You covered everything thoroughly. I don't have any other comments to make right now." This compliment indicates all points have been made sufficiently.
  • "No, I think all of my questions and comments were addressed earlier in the meeting." This refers back to any relevant remarks you may have made previously.
  • "Everything you presented was clear. I don't have any other comments to add." This response praises their clarity while confirming you have no criticisms.
  • "I'm satisfied with the information provided. Please let me know if you would like any additional input from me later." This expresses your satisfaction and willingness to comment later if needed.
  • "You highlighted the key points. I don't have any other comments at this stage." This praises their ability to focus on the most important details.

• If someone asks me 'do you have any questions' and I don't have any questions. What should I respond?
  • "No, I think I'm all set for now, thanks!" This is a polite way to indicate you don't have questions at the moment.
  • "Not at this time, but I appreciate you offering." This response acknowledges their offer while making it clear you don't currently have questions.
  • "Everything has been covered so far, but I'll be sure to ask if any questions come up." This lets them know you don't have questions now but are open to asking them later if needed.
  • "You've addressed all of my questions. I'll let you know if I think of anything else." This confirms they have already covered your questions satisfactorily.
  • "I don't have any other questions right now. I'm sure you've answered everything thoroughly." Complimenting their explanations indicates you are satisfied with the information provided.
  • "No, I'm good, thank you! I understand the process/information clearly." This response confirms your understanding and that your questions have been sufficiently answered.
  • I'm OK on my end.
  • Nothing from my side. Thank you.

Dictionary

https://dict.eudic.net/

SOP

Ten simple rules on how to write a standard operating procedure

Death Euphemisms 婉語

101 Death Euphemisms

Example of paper reviews

• See the supplementary of Demystifying “drop-outs” in single-cell UMI data

Poem

How to Write a Poem

Handwriting

• https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHowTo?search=handwriting
• How to Improve Your Handwriting
• 10+ Simple Ways to Get Consistent, Controlled Handwriting Today
• https://www.nala.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Better-handwriting-for-adults.pdf

Speech

How to Write a Persuasive Speech

How to Speak American

• How to Speak American
• 用流利的英语讲电话 authentic telephone English, 不要再用 VERY+形容詞
• 節哀順變

Misc

• Android can be a hindrance as much as it can be an advantage, however. Android apps aren't designed for E Ink screens so they often present problems with excessive screen flashing, sometimes menus are unreadable, and a lot of apps are just flat not compatible.
• You’re Using Too Many Adjectives (and Other Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid)