Blog · February 16, 2026 · 7 min read
Fifteen common academic writing mistakes — and how to fix each
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After thousands of academic edits, the same fifteen mistakes recur. Knowing them saves marks before you ever submit.
Top mistakes (selection)
Overuse of passive voice. Sentence-initial 'However' followed by a comma misuse. Tense slips in methodology. 'Data' as singular. Misplaced modifiers. Unhedged conclusions. Citations clustered at paragraph ends. Topic sentences buried. Quotations without analysis. Vague pronoun references.
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Frequently asked questions
Will I be marked down for these?
Yes, especially at distinction-grade marking. Examiners notice patterns even if they forgive isolated instances.
Can an editor catch them all?
A senior academic editor catches the great majority. Some structural issues we flag for you to address.
Catch them all before submission
Our academic editing service flags every recurring issue with explanation.
academic proofreading experts →Continue reading
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