TRI DUC ENGLISH ✦ ACADEMIC EDGE ⸻ 2026 edition What is special about academic English? Precision · Formal style · Noun-based density — from everyday words to scholarly writing 🔤 A. Everyday words & academic uses Many common words shift meaning in academic contexts. Understanding these nuances is key. Everyday / neutral use Meaning Academic use Academic meaning Standards of discipline in schools have declined. self-control / punishment Nanotechnology is a relatively new discipline. area of study Underline your family name on the form. draw a line under The research underlines the importance of trade. emphasises / highlights The lake was frozen solid. not liquid/gas, firm We have no solid evidence. reliable, well‑founded 💡 Academic tip: “discipline”, “underline”, “solid” — always notice the contextual meaning. Keep a vocabulary journal. 📚 B. Vocabulary & academic style — neutral vs formal Neutral More formal in short, briefly in sum, to sum up only solely mainly / mostly primarily Neutral More formal try attempt almost / more or less virtually typical of characteristic of ✨ Key examples: “prime example” (excellent) · “primary concern” (main) · “Have a shot at” (informal) → “Attempt” (formal). 🏗️ C. Noun phrases & academic density Academics compress information into noun phrases. Compare: ❌ Radiation was accidentally released over a 24-hour period, damaging a wide area for a long time. ✅ The accidental release of radiation over a 24-hour period caused widespread long-term ...