Write Like a Professional : Words and Phrases to avoid in Academic Writing

Words and Phrases to Avoid in Academic Writing
Academic writing—encompassing dissertations, theses, and research papers—demands a specific style characterized by formality, precision, and objectivity. Unlike casual conversation or informal writing, academic prose requires a level of sophistication and clarity that enhances both the credibility and comprehensibility of the content. In this guide, we will examine various words and phrases that should be avoided in academic writing to maintain a formal tone and provide more precise alternatives. Read more, CBSE Class 10 English 2024: Blueprint for Achieving a Score of 90+


Avoid Informal Language
Writing classes should be free of colloquial speech and expressions that are acceptable in everyday language. Here are some common words and their common equivalents:
- Less: Instead of saying, “Planning the problems was difficult,” consider saying, “Planning the problems was difficult.” “This subtle change adds a lot of meaning to the sentence.
- Many / / two: This phrase can be replaced with more specific words such as ‘many’, ‘many’ or specific numbers. For example, ‘Many studies have shown’ can be reformulated as ‘Many studies have shown’.
- Conjugation (can’t, can’t, doesn’t, does): In formal writing, it is best to use the full form of the abbreviation. For example: “The sample is not representative” should be rewritten as “The sample is not representative.” “
- Type/Species: This statement lacks specificity and can be misleading. Instead of ‘The findings were significant’, select ‘The findings were significant’ or ‘The findings were moderately significant’.
- Til / till: These informal terms can be replaced with “until” or “to.” For example, “From 2008 till 2012” should be revised to “From 2008 until 2012.”
Additionally, the second-person point of view (e.g., “you,” “your”) is generally inappropriate in academic writing. A sentence like “You can see the results” should be transformed into “One can see the results” or “The results can be observed.”

Steer Clear of Informal Sentence Starters
While some words may be acceptable in a particular context, they can make your writing unique when used to begin a sentence. Consider these examples:

- Plus: Replace this with ‘More’, ‘Additional’ or ‘Additional’. For example, ‘Also participants agreed’ could be changed to ‘Also participants agreed’. “
- So: This word can be replaced by “Therefore”. Therefore, “Therefore we can conclude that the model needs further improvement”, “Therefore we can conclude that the model needs further improvement.”
- Also: this can be removed or replaced with ‘Other’. For example, ‘And all the participants are over 30 years old’ can be translated as ‘The participants are over 30 years old’. “
- Besides: Instead of “Besides, we asked all the participants to sign an agreement,” consider using “Additionally, we requested that all participants sign an agreement.”
Avoid Vague Terms
Writing lessons are often simple and unstructured. Words with unnecessary emphasis should be used with caution:
- Always/never: This can be replaced by ‘often’, ‘usually’ or ‘usually’. For example, “Researchers always say this” could be changed to “Researchers always say that.”
- Completed: Consider using “The best answer to the question” or “One of the best answers to the question” instead of “The best answer to the question.
- Real/very/super: Replace with more specific words such as ‘important’, ‘critical’ or ‘important’. For example, “This idea is really important” can be expressed as “This idea is important.” “
Limit Exaggerated Terms
Academic writing is typically straightforward and unembellished. Words that create unnecessary emphasis should be used sparingly:
- Always / never: These can be substituted with “frequently,” “commonly,” or “typically.” For example, “Researchers always argue that” can be changed to “Researchers frequently argue that.”
- Perfect: Rather than saying “The perfect solution to the problem,” consider using “An ideal solution to the problem” or “One of the most effective solutions to the problem.”
- Really / so / super: Replace these with more precise terms such as “important,” “critical,” or “crucial.” For instance, “This theory is really important” can be expressed as “This theory is significant.”
Avoid Subjective Language
In order for the topics to remain in academic writing, statements that show personal bias should be avoided:


Correct Common Mistakes
Certain phrases are frequently misused. Avoiding these common pitfalls can enhance the accuracy of your writing:
- Literally: Some words are used incorrectly. Avoiding these common pitfalls can improve the accuracy of your writing: Often instead of saying “Students don’t understand,” you say, “Students don’t understand.”, would have in this scenario.
- Would of, had of: Use “would have” or “have” instead. For example, “Research Evaluated” should be revised as “Research Evaluated”. “
Additional Tips
In general, avoid jargon, clichés, colloquial abbreviations, slang, and gender-related language. Choose specific words instead of unnecessary words. For example, instead of saying ‘competition’ you can just say ‘competition’.
Conclusion
Maintaining integrity in lessons is essential to clarity, clarity and professionalism. Words and phrases that are vague, ambiguous, exaggerated, and verbose language will help you meet the stringent standards expected of academic communication. These guidelines will help you improve your writing style and make your research and arguments stronger and more persuasive.

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BITSAT 2026: Complete Exam Guide (Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Tips)

Introduction
Are you planning to apply for B.Tech admission in 2026 and targeting top private colleges in India? If yes, then BITSAT 2026 will be one of the most important exams for you—especially if you dream of studying at BITS Pilani, ranked among India’s top engineering institutes. Every year, thousands of students appear for this competitive exam, but only a few secure seats in the prestigious BITS campuses.
This detailed guide covers BITSAT 2026 eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, registration process, fees, and preparation strategy, along with student-friendly tips. Whether you’re preparing early or beginning now, this is your go-to BITSAT 2026 complete exam guide.
Long-tail keywords included naturally: BITSAT 2026 preparation tips, BITS Pilani admission process 2026

BITSAT 2026 Exam Overview
BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test) is an online entrance exam for admission into BITS Pilani, BITS Goa, BITS Hyderabad, and BITS Dubai.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | BITSAT 2026 |
| Conducting Body | BITS Pilani |
| Courses Offered | B.E., B.Pharm, Integrated M.Sc. |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Attempts | Two sessions expected |
| Difficulty Level | Moderately difficult |
| Admission Based On | BITSAT score only (no board cutoff rank system) |
Eligibility Criteria for BITSAT 2026
Academic Requirements
Students must meet the following:
- Must have passed Class 12 in 2025 or appearing in 2026.
- Must have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) for B.E. programs.
- For B.Pharm, PCB or PCM is allowed.
- Minimum 75% aggregate in PCM/PCB and 60% in each subject.
Additional Rules
- Only first attempt in board exam will be considered for eligibility.
- Students already enrolled in any BITS campus are not eligible.
BITSAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Mode: Online

Duration: 3 hours
Type: MCQs
Marking Scheme: +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect

Section-wise Pattern
| Section | Questions |
| Physics | 30 |
| Chemistry | 30 |
| Mathematics/Biology | 40 |
| English Proficiency | 10 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 |
| Total | 130 Questions |
Bonus Questions: Students who finish early and attempt all questions may get extra 12 questions, making BITSAT more flexible than exams like VITEEE and SRMJEEE.
BITSAT 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus is based on NCERT Class 11 & 12 topics.
Physics Highlights
- Mechanics
- Electrostatics
- Oscillations & Waves
- Modern Physics
- Optics
Chemistry Highlights

- Organic Chemistry (full NCERT)
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
Mathematics Highlights
- Calculus
- Coordinate Geometry
- Vectors
- Probability
- Trigonometry
English + Reasoning
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Logical deduction
- Figure-based reasoning
BITSAT 2026 Exam Dates (Expected)
| Event | Tentative Timeline |
| Application Form Release | January 2026 |
| Session 1 Exam | May 2026 |
| Session 2 Exam | June 2026 |
| Result (Scorecard) | Immediately after exam |
| Admission & Counselling | July 2026 onwards |
BITSAT 2026 Application Process
How to Apply
- Visit the official BITS admissions portal.
- Register with email & phone number.
- Fill personal and academic details.
- Upload photo & signature.
- Pay the application fee.
- Book your exam slot.
Application Fee (Expected)
- Male candidates: ₹3,400–₹3,900
- Female candidates: ₹2,900–₹3,400
- Fee varies for single/two sessions.
Why Choose BITS Pilani?
BITS Pilani is consistently among the best engineering colleges in India.
Top Facts
- NIRF Rank (Engineering): 25
- Strong Industry Partnerships: Google, Amazon, Microsoft
- Average Package (Pilani Campus): ₹30+ LPA (2024 data)
- Highest Package: ₹60+ LPA (international)
- Fees: Approx. ₹2.5–3 lakhs per year
- Fully residential campus with world-class research labs
BITSAT 2026 Cutoff (Expected)
Here are expected cutoffs based on previous year’s trends:
| BITS Campus & Branch | Expected Cutoff (2026) |
| BITS Pilani – CSE | 370+ |
| Pilani – ECE | 330+ |
| Pilani – Mechanical | 280+ |
| BITS Goa – CSE | 340+ |
| BITS Hyderabad – CSE | 330+ |
LSI keywords used: cutoff marks, placement, ranking, best colleges in India, admission 2025
BITSAT 2026 Preparation Tips
- Follow NCERT Strictly
Most questions come directly from NCERT fundamentals.
- Strengthen Speed + Accuracy
BITSAT is speed-focused—130 questions in 180 minutes.
- Practice Online Mock Tests
Helps with time management and understanding question patterns.
- Use Bonus Questions Wisely
Attempt only if you’re confident; guessing reduces score.
Comparison: BITSAT vs Other Exams
| Features | BITSAT | JEE Main | VITEEE | SRMJEEE |
| Mode | Online | Online | Online | Online |
| Difficulty | Moderate | High | Easy–Moderate | Easy–Moderate |
| Syllabus | NCERT-based | NCERT-based | Simplified | Simplified |
| Negative Marking | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| College Ranking | Very High | Very High | High | High |
FAQs
- What is a good score in BITSAT 2026?
A score above 300 is considered good, while 350+ is required for CSE in top campuses.
- How many attempts are allowed in BITSAT?
Students can appear in two sessions; the best score is considered.
- Which BITS campus is best for placement?
BITS Pilani has the highest placement record, followed by Goa and Hyderabad.
- Can I get CSE in BITS Pilani with 320 marks?
Unlikely. CSE cutoffs usually go above 370.
- How difficult is BITSAT compared to JEE Main?
BITSAT is less concept-heavy but requires fast accuracy.
Also Read: How to Get Freelance Clients as a Student
Conclusion
BITSAT 2026 is one of the best opportunities for students aiming for top engineering colleges with excellent placements and academic reputation. With early preparation and the right strategy, you can secure a seat in one of India’s most prestigious private institutes.
For expert counselling, college recommendations, and admission support, apply through CollegeChalo for guided assistance.
Stay tuned for updates on BITSAT 2026 exam dates, forms, and cutoffs.
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