ACADEMIC VERBS AND ACADEMIC PHRASES IN RESEARCH WRITING IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS: IMPORTANCE, CHALLENGES OF POOR USAGE, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOLARLY COMMUNICATION

Abstract

This chapter examined the concepts of academic verbs and academic phrases as essential components of effective research writing and scholarly communication. The chapter discussed the meaning, functions, and importance of academic language in research activities, emphasizing the role of academic verbs and phrases in enhancing clarity, precision, objectivity, coherence, and professionalism in academic writing. The study further explained how academic verbs assist researchers in presenting objectives, analyzing findings, evaluating evidence, and communicating scholarly arguments systematically, while academic phrases help in organizing ideas, linking concepts, and maintaining logical flow in research reports. The chapter also identified common problems associated with poor usage of academic verbs and phrases among students and beginning researchers, including ambiguity, weak arguments, grammatical inconsistencies, poor coherence, and excessive use of informal expressions. Factors responsible for poor academic writing such as inadequate training, weak reading culture, poor exposure to scholarly materials, and insufficient research mentorship were highlighted. The chapter justified the need for improved mastery of academic language in higher institutions due to the increasing demand for quality research output and professional scholarly communication. It was concluded that effective use of academic verbs and academic phrases significantly improves the quality, credibility, and acceptability of research work. The chapter recommended intensive academic writing training, increased exposure to scholarly publications, and continuous practice in research communication among students and researchers.