For years, a myth has persisted in academia, a whisper that somehow turned into a roar:
You need flawless English to get published.
If you’ve ever felt held back by this idea, you’re not alone.
But here’s the truth: it’s clarity, not perfection, that gets your research out into the world.
You don’t need to be a linguistic genius or a grammar expert; you need to be a clear communicator. And that’s something you can absolutely learn.
Perfect English Isn’t the Golden Ticket
Look, even native English speakers don’t have a free pass to publication. Rejection rates for native speakers? Surprisingly similar to everyone else’s.
I remember my colleague “J” vividly. J. was brilliant; she could take the most complex clinical case and turn it into fascinating insights. But one day, after submitting a paper she’d poured her heart into, she received feedback that stung deeply: “This needs editing by a native speaker.”
J. was crushed. The irony? She was a native English speaker.
I remember how she laughed it off at first, a shaky, hollow laugh that masked the frustration underneath.
“Maybe I should go back to elementary school,” she joked, but I could see the disappointment in her eyes.
It wasn’t her language skills that were in question, but rather her ability to convey her ideas clearly.
Later when we sat down to discuss how to revise, she said, “I don’t get it. I know the science inside out, but why can’t they understand me?” She didn’t need perfect grammar; her English was impeccable. What she needed was clarity. She needed to guide the reader, step-by-step, into the heart of her research. The problem wasn’t J.’s English — it was that her message, buried under layers of jargon and overly complex phrasing, that just didn’t hit home.
Journals don’t reject you for misplaced commas; they reject you for unclear ideas.
They reject confusion.
So, if your research isn’t getting through, the focus shouldn’t be on perfecting grammar. It should be on sharpening clarity.
The 3 Important Elements to Getting Published
Now, you might be wondering: If it’s not about perfect grammar, what is it about? Getting published requires three simple, yet powerful elements: clarity, conciseness, and compelling content.
Let’s break these down:
1. Make It CLEAR
Your reader should never have to guess what you mean. If they do, they’ll quickly lose interest or, worse, misunderstand your work. Clarity is about building on what your reader already knows, step-by-step, without overwhelming them with jargon. There’s a brilliant quote from journalist Tim Radford:
“Don’t overestimate your reader’s knowledge. Don’t underestimate their intelligence.”
Think of it this way: your job isn’t to impress with complexity but to communicate with simplicity. Get to the heart of your findings in a way that anyone in your target audience could understand.
Simplifying your message doesn’t mean dumbing it down.
It means making it accessible.
2. Make It CONCISE
Today, we’re all competing for limited attention. Your research shouldn’t require a second read just to find the main point.
Aim to trim the fluff and get to the core message swiftly.
The traditional “inverted pyramid” structure — where you slowly build to the main point — is obsolete.
Be direct. Be brief. Think of every sentence as a piece of real estate. If it doesn’t serve a purpose, let it go. Your readers, and reviewers, will thank you for it.
‘Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart, kill your darlings.’ — Stephen King
3. Make Them CARE
Why should people care about your work? This isn’t always a natural question in academic writing, but it’s essential. One of the most effective ways to make your research resonate is by telling a story with your data. Yes, even in academic writing — and here’s why it works. By creating a narrative arc, you guide readers through the journey of discovery:
- Start with where the field is — what do we know?
- Identify what’s missing — what’s the gap?
- Show how your work bridges this gap — why your findings matter.
Storytelling isn’t about inventing drama; it’s about showcasing the natural tension and significance already present in your work. Science is full of unanswered questions, unexpected challenges, and breakthroughs. That’s the tension — the very reason we choose what to focus on. Leverage it. When you tap into this natural tension, you invite readers into your world, making them feel the importance of your work. Done well, you don’t just inform; you inspire. You make them care as deeply as you do.
Why Academia Doesn’t Teach This (But It Should)
Ironically, the skills that truly matter for publishing success — clarity, conciseness, and engagement — aren’t what most of us are trained in. We’re often left to fend for ourselves. We rely on grammar checks and stylistic tweaks, but the heart of great writing is left untouched.
We learn by copying our mentors. Experts in the field. They are brilliant scientists, but not always great writers. They may use jargon. Make the writing complex. Harder to understand.
It’s time to let go of those old habits. They don’t serve us.
Mastering these 3 fundamentals — clarity, conciseness, and engagement — can transform your academic career.
This Week’s Action Steps
- Take a page of your latest draft.
- Apply the principles of clarity, conciseness, and storytelling.
- Cut one sentence for every two.
- Simplify your core message.
- Ask yourself: Why should anyone care about this?
Approach your research with this mindset, and you’ll be amazed at the difference in your writing — and, more importantly, in your impact.
P.S. Check out my good friend Ali MK Hindi’s newsletter HERE, where he shares tips and strategies to empower students, researchers, and scholars for academic success. He is a Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at the University of Manchester with a standout track record of publishing as an Early Career Researcher (ECR).