FAQ:Medical Research Paper Writing: Tips for Non-Native Speakers

What is the standard structure of a medical research paper?

The most common structure is IMRaD: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion, often followed by a concise Conclusion and standard sections for Acknowledgments, Conflicts of Interest, Funding, Data Availability, and References. Using this order helps reviewers locate key information quickly and improves the clarity of your manuscript.

How can non-native speakers write clear Introductions?

Follow a simple three-step flow: (1) Brief context of the clinical problem, (2) the gap in current evidence, and (3) your study objective or hypothesis. Keep sentences short and avoid idioms. Example: “Hypertension is prevalent worldwide. However, evidence in adults under 30 is limited. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors in young adults.”

Which tense should I use in each section?

Use past tense for Methods and Results (“we enrolled,” “we found”), present or present perfect when describing established knowledge in the Introduction and Discussion (“hypertension is,” “studies have shown”), and present tense for general conclusions (“these findings suggest”). Maintain consistency within each section.

How do I avoid literal translation errors?

Do not translate expressions word-for-word from your native language. Instead, model your phrasing on sentences from high-quality journals in your field. Keep a personal phrase bank (e.g., “was associated with,” “did not differ significantly”) and reuse those patterns to stay consistent.

What are common grammar mistakes to watch for?

• Articles: Use “a/an” for first mention and “the” for specific items.
• Subject–verb agreement: “The data are,” “The result is.”
• Prepositions: Write “associated with,” “different from,” “increase in risk.”
• Pluralization: Use consistent plural forms for units and variables.

How can I make my Methods section reproducible?

Report the study design, setting, eligibility criteria, sample size determination, variables and definitions, measurement tools (with model/vendor if relevant), data collection procedures, statistical tests (including assumptions and software), and ethical approvals. Provide enough detail so another researcher could replicate your work.

How should I present Results clearly?

Report primary outcomes first, then secondary outcomes. Avoid interpretation in this section. Use tables and figures to show key numbers (effect estimates, confidence intervals, exact p-values). Refer to each table/figure in the text and avoid repeating every number from them; emphasize the most important findings.

How do I write an effective Discussion?

Use a four-part structure: (1) brief summary of the main finding in one or two sentences, (2) comparison with prior studies and plausible mechanisms, (3) strengths and limitations (be candid and specific), and (4) practical implications and future research. End with a clear, non-speculative take-home message.

What language makes my writing more concise?

• Replace “due to the fact that” with “because.”
• Replace “it is important to note that” with nothing or “notably.”
• Replace “in order to” with “to.”
• Prefer active voice where appropriate: “We analyzed data,” not “Data were analyzed.”

How should I handle medical terminology and abbreviations?

Use standard terms from recognized guidelines and leading journals. Define abbreviations at first use in the Abstract and again in the main text if required (e.g., “acute myocardial infarction (AMI)”). Avoid uncommon or local abbreviations. Keep a consistent glossary for your team to prevent synonym switching.

How do I choose the right journal?

Match your scope, study design, and audience with a journal’s aims and recent publications. Check acceptance of your article type, word limits, open access options, fees, and indexing. Review recent articles on similar topics to gauge fit. Avoid predatory journals that promise unrealistically fast decisions without rigorous peer review.

What should go in the Abstract?

Use the journal’s required format (structured vs. unstructured). Include background (1–2 sentences), objective, design/setting/participants, main outcomes, key results with effect sizes and 95% CIs, and a concise conclusion. Avoid new abbreviations and claims not supported by the results.

How can visuals (tables and figures) improve clarity?

Each table or figure should answer one question: comparisons, trends, or relationships. Use clear titles, footnotes for abbreviations, and consistent decimal places. Ensure figures are legible at journal-required DPI and dimensions. Do not decorate; prioritize readability and accurate data presentation.

How do I report statistics appropriately?

Provide effect sizes (e.g., mean differences, odds ratios, hazard ratios) with 95% confidence intervals and exact p-values. State statistical tests and assumptions, and mention how missing data were handled (e.g., complete-case analysis, multiple imputation). Avoid overstating significance; discuss clinical relevance alongside statistical results.

What about ethics, registration, and reporting guidelines?

State IRB/ethics approval and informed consent when applicable. Register clinical trials prospectively and include the registration number. Follow relevant reporting checklists (e.g., CONSORT, STROBE, PRISMA, CARE) and upload completed checklists if required. Transparency strengthens credibility and expedites review.

How do I write a strong Conclusion?

Make one to two sentences that directly reflect your primary outcome and its practical meaning. Avoid introducing new data or broad speculation. Example: “In adults under 30, hypertension prevalence was 9% and associated with higher BMI. Early screening initiatives could be beneficial.”

How can I improve English style as a non-native speaker?

Adopt a revise-by-layers approach: first fix structure and logic, then simplify sentences, then correct grammar, and finally polish vocabulary. Read your paper aloud to check rhythm and clarity. Maintain a personal style guide for preferred phrases, units, and capitalization rules.

Which digital tools are helpful—and how should I use them?

Use reference managers (Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley) for citations; grammar checkers for typos and article usage; and discipline-specific term banks for standardized wording. AI writing assistants can suggest clearer phrasing, but you must verify facts, preserve authorship integrity, and follow journal policies on AI-assisted writing.

How should I handle referencing and citation accuracy?

Follow the journal’s style (often Vancouver). Ensure every in-text citation appears in the reference list and vice versa. Prefer recent, peer-reviewed, and authoritative sources. Check all DOIs, page numbers, and author names. Avoid excessive self-citation and confirm that key prior studies are acknowledged.

What is an effective workflow from draft to submission?

1. Outline sections using IMRaD headings.
2. Draft Methods first, then Results, then Introduction and Discussion.
3. Create tables/figures and align the narrative with them.
4. Edit for logic, then clarity, then grammar.
5. Run checklists (CONSORT/STROBE/PRISMA) and journal formatting.
6. Get internal and external peer feedback; revise accordingly.
7. Write a professional cover letter and prepare required declarations.

How do I write a persuasive cover letter?

In one page, state the article title and type, the research question and why it matters to the journal’s readers, the main findings, novelty, and confirmations that the work is original, not under consideration elsewhere, and approved by relevant ethics boards. Mention any related preprints or prior postings if applicable.

How can I reduce wordiness without losing meaning?

Remove filler phrases, replace nominalizations with verbs (“performed an analysis” → “analyzed”), and combine short, related sentences. Keep one idea per sentence and one purpose per paragraph. Target 15–20 words per sentence and avoid duplicate statements already shown in tables.

How should I address limitations?

Be specific and transparent. Explain potential biases (selection, measurement, confounding), sample size constraints, generalizability, and missing data. If feasible, quantify their likely impact. State how future studies could address these issues. Honest limitations strengthen reviewer trust.

What are good practices for authorship, contributions, and disclosures?

Follow criteria such as substantial contribution, drafting or critical revision, final approval, and accountability. Use a contributorship taxonomy (e.g., CRediT) if the journal requests it. Disclose funding, conflicts of interest, and the role of sponsors. Add data availability statements and acknowledge non-author contributors properly.

How do I handle reviewer comments effectively?

Respond politely and point-by-point in a separate document. Quote or summarize each comment, state what you changed with manuscript line references, and justify respectfully when you disagree. Keep a professional tone and provide additional analyses or sensitivity checks when reasonable.

What final checks should I perform before submission?

• Titles, abstracts, and keywords match the study content.
• All figures/tables numbered, cited, and formatted per guidelines.
• Statistics include effect sizes and confidence intervals.
• Ethics, registration, and reporting checklists included.
• Typos and grammar corrected; abbreviations defined at first use.
• Cover letter and disclosures complete.

Can I reuse text from my previous papers?

Self-plagiarism is generally discouraged, even if you are the original author. Methods wording sometimes overlaps across related studies, but you should still rephrase and cite your prior work where appropriate. Always follow the journal’s plagiarism policy and use originality checks before submission.

Medical English: Complete Guide for Healthcare Professionals, Students, and Global Communication