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 anyone reading a PhD dissertation or academic paper.
- "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.
- Twice.
- "In a series of cases"...
- Thrice.
- "It is believed that"...
- I think.
- "It is generally believed that"...
- A couple of others think so, too.
- "Correct within an order of magnitude"...
- Wrong.
- "According to statistical analysis"...
- Rumour has it.
- "A statistically-oriented projection of the significance of these findings"...
- A wild guess.
- "A careful analysis of obtainable data"...
- Three pages of notes were obliterated when I knocked over a glass of iced tea.
- "It is clear that much additional work will be required before a complete understanding of this phenomenon occurs"...
- I don't understand it.
- "After additinal study by my colleagues"...
- They don't understand it either.
- "Thanks are due to Joe Blotz for assitance 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.
"In case after case"...