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Academic English

Academic Writing for Non-Native English Speakers

Isha Singh · Nov 22, 2025 · 7 min read

Keep it Simple

You don't need long, complex words to sound academic. Clarity is king. Short sentences are often better than long, winding ones.

Signposting

English academic writing relies heavily on 'signposting'—telling the reader where you are going. Use phrases like 'This essay will argue...', 'In contrast...', 'Therefore...'.

Resources

  • University Language Centre: Most unis offer free in-sessional English classes.
  • Academic Phrasebank (Manchester University): An incredible online resource for finding the right academic phrase for any situation.
  • Proofreading: Ask a native speaker to check your flow, but ensure they don't rewrite your work (which could be collusion).