Achieving scientific precision in your research writing

When manuscripts are assessed for publication in high-impact international journals, scientific precision is one of the most closely scrutinised criteria. In an environment dominated by English as the lingua franca of research writing, imprecision or literal translation can undermine perceptions of the methodological integrity of the work, even when the data are robust. In this context, specialised scientific translation plays a vital role in conveying methodological rigour correctly in English.

For researchers working in non-English-speaking contexts, achieving scientific precision, discursive rigour and clarity of expression in English is an integral part of the publication process, not an optional add-on.

What do we mean by 'scientific precision' and 'accuracy'?

When it comes to indexed journals, scientific precision takes on an extra dimension because the writing must adhere to the rhetorical and terminological conventions of English academic discourse.

• Scientific precision: using internationally accepted terminology consistently and within the field's established conceptual framework.

• Scientific accuracy: the faithful representation of data, methods and results, free from distortion due to linguistic interference or flawed reformulation.

A text could be conceptually correct in Spanish yet still be imprecise in English if it fails to adhere to the following:

• the choice of suitable colocations,

• the appropriate level of discursive 'hedging',

• conventions of argumentative structure.

This is where specialised translation can make all the difference.

The importance of scientific rigour in research writing

In peer review, scientific rigour is also assessed through language. Reviewers often penalise:

• overly categorical statements,

• improper use of verb tenses,

• inconsistent terminology,

• expressions that sound awkward in academic English.

A professional scientific translator will:

• calibrate certainty to the convetions of the genre,

• steer clear of syntactic calques that hinder readability,

• align the text with the standard register of international Q1/Q2 journals.

The goal is not to ‘beautify’ the text, but to ensure that it can be evaluated on an equal footing.

Tips for achieving clarity and precision in academic writing

The principles of scientific writing in English are well-established and do not always coincide with those of academic Spanish.

Best practices:

• Opt for direct sentence structures instead of overly nested sentences.

• Lead with the most important information.

• Choose precise verbs rather than abstract nouns.

• Manage the use of the passive voice depending on the genre and discipline.

The specialist translator will:

• reframe sentences for smoother flow without altering content,

• identify any conceptual ambiguities that could prompt reviewer concerns,

• ensure terminological consistency throughout the manuscript.

In many cases, translation provides a second, critical reading of your scientific text. This role is particularly important for manuscripts produced by multiple researchers. In these situations, a professional scientific translator helps to:

• harmonise the overall discourse,

• maintain conceptual consistency,

• ensure the article reads as a coherent, well-structured text.

Methods for verifying data and avoiding ambiguous statements

Translating scientific texts requires careful management of the information presented.

Key areas to watch:

• Terminology standardised in international databases.

• Units, symbols and graphical conventions.

• Agreement between text, tables and figures.

• Proper use of 'hedging'.

Frequent pitfalls in non-specialised translations

• Overinterpreting results because of poor word selection.

• Introducing ambiguity in the methods section.

• Changing the degree of certainty conveyed in the original text.

The professional translator serves as a safeguard against editorial risk.

Examples of precise vs. imprecise content in English manuscripts

These examples demonstrate the impact that small linguistic choices can have on editorial evaluation.

Problematic wording: "These methods prove that this method is effective".

Wording that complies with editorial standards: "These results suggest that the method is effective under the conditions described".

Awkward literal translation: "The investigation pretends to analyse..."

Correct rewording: "This study aims to analyse..."

These distinctions form part of the tacit understanding of academic discourse in English and are rarely gained without hands-on editorial experience.

Scientific precision in English-language publishing: why specialised translation matters

In order to publish their work in English, researchers need to do more than simply present robust findings; they must also ensure that their writing is scientifically precise, clear and argumentatively rigorous. Even when the research is sound, a literal or non-specialised translation can affect a reviewer's perception of a manuscript.

Professional scientific translation is best seen as an integral part of the research process. Using a specialist translator helps to ensure terminological consistency, adherence to the conventions of English academic discourse and a polished presentation for editors and reviewers.

If you're getting ready to submit an article to an international journal, I can help by translating or editing your manuscript to ensure it meets the necessary scientific and editorial standards. Get in touch with me here.