How to Write Scholarly Articles in One English: The Importance of Being Consistent

Abstract

Abstract This informative and educational article aims to provide helpful guidance for non-native writers who wish to enhance their academic writing skills. One of the most common mistakes in English writing is mixing British and American English. Consistency and accuracy are crucial to successful and effective writing, whether a research paper or just a short text for a PowerPoint presentation. Failure to address this issue often leaves a negative and unprofessional impression and can lead to errors, misunderstanding, or even rejection by editors of impacted journals. First, the article highlights the importance of English as a lingua franca. Then, in the main sections, it lists the most common differences between British and American English. The article also offers strategies for maintaining consistency in the use of English and, along, reminds readers of some general rules to follow. It discusses the role of English dictionaries, and lastly, yet importantly, it looks at the advantages and disadvantages of using automatic spell-checkers and translators.