The Meaning of Academic Language

This list comprises language often used in academic papers, as well as debate and discussion here at the old BB. Hopefully this will help you understand what a person means when they say one of the following:

Statement: It has long been known...
What it means: I didn't bother to look up the original reference.

Statement: A definite trend is evident...
What it means: This is a practically meaningless statement.

Statement: While it has not been possible to provide definite answers to the questions...
What it means: An unsuccessful experiment, but I still hope to make people believe what I believe.

Statement: Three of the samples were chosen for detailed study...
What it means: The other results didn't make any sense.

Statement: Typical results are shown...
What it means: This is the prettiest graph of the bunch.

Statement: These results will be in a subsequent report...
What it means: I might get around to this sometime...maybe.

Statement: In my experience...
What it means: Once

Statement: In case after case...
What it means: Twice

Statement: In a series of cases...
What it means: Thrice

Statement: It is believed that...
What it means: I think.

Statement: It is generally believed that...
What it means: A couple of others think so, too.

Statement: Correct, with this caveat...
What it means: Incorrect.

Statement: According to statistical analysis...
What it means: Some say...

Statement: A statistically-oriented projection of the significance of these findings...
What it means: A wild guess.

Statement: A careful analysis of obtainable data...
What it means: Three pages of notes were destroyed when I knocked over a glass of grape Kool-Aid.

Statement: It is clear that much additional work will be required before a complete understanding of this phenomenon occurs...
What it means: I don't have any clue how it works...

Statement: After additional study by my colleagues...
What it means: They don't understand how it works either...

Statement: Thanks are due to Michael Smith for assistance with the experiment and to Sandy Adams for valuable discussions...
What it means: Mr. Smith did the work and Ms. Adams explained to me what it meant.

Statement: A highly significant area for exploratory study...
What it means: A totally useless topic selected by my committee.

Statement: It is hoped that this study will stimulate further investigation into this field...
What it means: I give up...