| Linguistics for Academicians and Fellow Travelers �� The following list of phrases and their definitions might help you understand the mysterious language of science and medicine.� These special phrases are also applicable to any working on Ph.D. dissertation or academic paper anywhere! � "It has long been known"....I didn't look up the original reference. "A definite trend is evident"....These data are practically meaningless. � "While it has not been possible to provide definite answers to the questions"....An unsuccessful experiment, but I still hope to get it published. � "Three of the samples were chosen for detailed study"...The other results didn't make any sense. "Typical results are shown"....this is the prettiest graph. � "These results will be in a subsequent report"...I might get around to this sometime, if pushed/funded. � "In my experience"...once. � "In case after case"...twice. � "In a series of cases"....thrice � "It is believed that"....I think. � "It is genereally believed that"....A couple of others think so, too. � "Correct within an order of magnitude"....Wrong. � "According to statistical analysis"...Rumor has it. � "A statistically oriented projection of the significance of these findings"....A wild guess. � "A carefull analysis of obtainable data"...Three pages of notes were obliterated when I knocked over a glass of pop. � "It is clear that much additional work will be required before a complete understanding of this phenomenon occurs"...I don't understand it. � "After additional study by my colleagues"...They don't understant it either. � "Thanks are due to Joe Blotz for assistance with the experiment and to Cindy Adams for valuable discussions"....Mr.Blotz did the work and Ms. Adams explained to me what it meant. � "A highly significant area for exploratory study"...A totally useless topic selected by my committee. � "It is hoped that this study will stimulate further investigation in this field"...I quit. |