Deciphering Academic Talk (part 1)

by trm6 on March 16, 2008 Comments

1. "It has long been known" = I didn't look up the original reference.
2. "A definite trend is evident" = These data are practically meaningless.
3. "While it has not been possible to provide definite answers to the questions" = An unsuccessful experiment, but I still hope to get it published.
4. "Three of the samples were chosen for detailed study" = The other results didn't make any sense.
5. "Typical results are shown" = This is the prettiest graph.
6. "These results will be in a subsequent report" = I might get around to this sometime, if pushed/funded.
7. "In my experience" = once.
8. "In case after case" = twice.
9. "In a series of cases" = thrice.
10. "It is believed that" = I think.