Verbs

Verbs are vigorous, direct communicators. Use the active rather than the passive voice, and select tense or mood carefully.

Poor:
The survey was conducted in a controlled setting.
Better:
We conducted the survey in a controlled setting.

Poor:
The experiment was designed by Simpson (2001).
Better:
Simpson (2001) designed the experiment.

Poor:
The participants were seated in comfortable chairs equipped with speakers that delivered the tone stimuli.
Better:
Participants sat in comfortable chairs equipped with speakers that delivered the tone stimuli.

(adapted from the fifth edition of APA's Publication Manual, © 2001)

Removing Bias in Language
Disabilities
Race & Ethnicity
Sexuality

Electronic Media
Electronic Media and URLs
Electronic Media Spelling Guide

Authorship Aids
Ethics of Publication
Determining Authorship: Students

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