Academic Writing Phrases

noun a word (other than a pronoun) used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

adjective a word naming an attribute of a noun, such as sweet, red, or technical

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

conjunction a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause

article a word that is used with a noun to indicate the type of reference being made by the noun

• All things considered, the company made a wise decision to invest in new technology.
• All things considered, I think we should go with the blue paint for the living room.
• All things considered, I say we just chill and watch some movies tonight.
• All things considered, life is like a puzzle where every piece has its place.

adverb used to indicate that a particular point in a narrative or argument has been passed or to suggest that the speaker is returning to a previous topic

preposition used to indicate a particular point in an argument or statement

• At any rate, the committee decided to proceed with the project as planned.
• At any rate, we're still going to the concert tonight no matter what.
• I don't care what happens, at any rate, I'm outta here.
• The storm was approaching quickly, but at any rate, we had to keep moving forward.

noun the state or act of being the writer of a book, article, or document

• The issue of authorship is a complex matter in the field of literary studies.
• Who gets credit for writing the book is a big deal in the authorship world.
• Figuring out who the real author is can be a real head-scratcher.
• Authorship is like a puzzle, with each piece representing a different aspect of the writing process.

• By no means should you ignore the rules and regulations set forth by the company.
• I am by no means going to that party tonight, I have too much work to do.
• I am by no means gonna let that slide, they need to be held accountable.
• His determination to succeed was by no means wavering, even in the face of adversity.

noun a detailed analysis or assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or artistic work

verb to evaluate or analyze something in a detailed and critical way

• The professor provided a detailed critique of the student's research paper.
• I appreciate your critique of my presentation, it helps me improve.
• I can't believe she critiqued my outfit like that, so rude.
• His critique of the political system was like a breath of fresh air in the stagnant debate.

noun a time or date by which something must be done or completed

• The deadline for submitting the proposal is next Friday.
• Hey, don't forget about the deadline to turn in your homework.
• I totally missed the deadline for that project, I'm screwed.
• Procrastination is like dancing with the deadline, you never know when you'll step on its toes.

adjective relating to or constituting evidence

• The evidential support for the theory was presented in the research paper.
• There's a lot of evidential proof that she was at the party.
• I've got mad evidential skills when it comes to catching my siblings in a lie.
• The evidential weight of his words was enough to convince the jury of his innocence.

noun a discovery or conclusion reached after examination or investigation

verb present participle of find, meaning to discover or perceive by chance or unexpectedly

• The finding of the research study indicated a strong correlation between exercise and mental health.
• I couldn't believe the finding of the investigation - it was so unexpected!
• The finding of the survey was mind-blowing, dude!
• The finding of the treasure map led them to a hidden cave filled with gold and jewels.

noun a word that functions as the name of a specific person, place, thing, or idea; in this case, 'time' is a noun

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence; in this case, 'for' is a preposition

• The project has been put on hold for the time being until we receive more funding.
• Let's just leave that issue aside for the time being and focus on more pressing matters.
• I'm gonna chill at home for the time being and catch up on some Netflix.
• His emotions were like a storm, but for the time being, he managed to keep them in check.

verb to give or allow someone something

adjective given as a privilege or right

• The judge granted the defendant's request for a continuance.
• I granted myself a day off from work to relax.
• I granted you permission to use my car for the weekend.
• She granted him forgiveness for his past mistakes.

adverb in a manner that is not open to doubt or question; unquestionably

• The evidence presented in the case is indubitably compelling.
• She is indubitably the best candidate for the job.
• That movie was indubitably lit!
• His love for her was indubitably as deep as the ocean.

adjective Initially can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is related to the beginning or first stage of something.

adverb Initially is an adverb that is used to describe something that happens at the beginning or at first.

• Initially, the project seemed promising but encountered numerous setbacks along the way.
• I was initially excited about the party, but now I'm not so sure.
• I was like, 'No way!' when I initially heard the news.
• The seedling initially struggled to grow, but eventually flourished into a beautiful flower.

adverb among other things

preposition among other things

• The report highlighted several key issues, inter alia, the lack of funding for the project.
• She mentioned a few things that needed to be fixed, inter alia, the broken window in the kitchen.
• The party was a disaster - inter alia, the music was terrible.
• His argument was strong, inter alia, the fact that he had evidence to back up his claims.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

• There is no doubt that the research findings are accurate.
• There's no doubt that she's the best candidate for the job.
• No doubt he'll show up at the party tonight.
• Like a mountain in the distance, his success was no doubt on the horizon.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

• Of course, it is imperative that we adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the governing body.
• Of course, I'll be there for your birthday party. Wouldn't miss it for the world!
• Of course, I'm down to hang out with you guys later. Just hit me up when you're ready.
• She was the shining star of the show, of course, stealing the spotlight with her incredible talent.

verb to oppose or attack someone or something with arguments or criticism

• The scholar sought to oppugn the theory presented in the research paper.
• He loves to oppugn everything I say, just for the sake of argument.
• I can't believe she's still oppugning his decisions after all this time.
• The prosecutor's questions oppugned the defendant's alibi, leaving doubt in the jury's minds.

adverb an adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb, indicating the manner, place, time, or degree in which something is done

• The first and second place winners were John and Sarah, respectively.
• John and Sarah won first and second place, respectively.
• John and Sarah took home the top two spots, respectively.
• The siblings finished the race in first and second place, respectively, just like always.

noun a word (other than a pronoun) used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

article a word that is used with a noun to show whether the thing or person being referred to is known about, has been mentioned before, is being introduced for the first time, or is general

• The architect followed the blueprint to the letter to ensure the building was constructed correctly.
• I followed the recipe to the letter and the cake turned out perfectly!
• She copied her friend's style to the letter, even down to the same accessories.
• The detective followed the suspect's alibi to the letter, but something still didn't add up.