Your revisor at Language Services will undertake to check correct spelling, grammar and punctuation in addition to ensuring that the text follows the standards of clarity and fluency of academic writing.
Your revisor will also give consideration to your manuscript’s adherence to the journal’s instructions for authors (e.g., format and style, usage of abbreviations, tables and figures), provided that a copy of these accompanies the text to be revised. You, as the author, are responsible for adhering to style guidelines governing citations and references.
As much as possible, language revision aims to improve texts such that language issues cease to be a barrier to publication. Although language revision can considerably improve a manuscript’s chances of being accepted by the target journal, it cannot guarantee this, as numerous factors other than language determine a document’s suitability for publication.
Language revision involves correction and improvement of the following:
Spelling and vocabulary
- Language variant (e.g., American or British standards)
- Misused words (e.g., effect vs affect), excluding field-specific terminology
Grammar
- Subject-verb agreement
- Correct syntax
- Articles and prepositions
- Use of tenses
Punctuation
- Use of full stops, colons, semi-colons, commas, etc.
Readability and consistency
- Fluent, natural-sounding language
- Precision and clarity of the text
- Appropriate sentence length
- Sentence cohesion
- Avoidance of wordiness and repetition
- Addressing of ambiguities
- Consistent use of vocabulary and terminology
- Academic voice and style
Language revision does not involve or correct the following:
Structure of the text
- For example, the order of paragraphs
Content issues, such as faulty or unclear argumentation
- Your revisor may, however, offer advice on or attempt to resolve obvious problems.
Citations and references