Scientific Prose Style

From the lexical point of view, the most conspicuous feature here is the obligatory use of terms, specific for this or that branch of science. Naturally, a purely scientific utterance also includes words of the general vocabulary, but always in their direct logical meaning. This tendency is stipulated by the requirement to avoid any ambiguity in both expression and perception of the utterance. Scientific prose is characterized by a complete absence of dialectal words. We may find here selective usage of personal pronouns (first person plural is preferred to first person singular and second person is hardly ever used).

In syntax scientific prose is governed by logical reasoning, hence characterized by a strictly logical sequence of sentences and clauses and consequently by a developed system of connective elements such as so, thus, hence, therefore, firstly, secondly, etc. Impersonal passive constructions are considered more appropriate in the scientific style because it tends to be absolutely objective, precise, devoid of any individuality. It aims at the most generalized form of expression. Common are such structures as: it should be noted that, it is commonly recognized that, it is common knowledge that, it should be pointed out, it has to be assumed, to summarize briefly, as indicated above, etc.

The other peculiarities of scientific prose are: the use of quotations provided with references, the use of footnotes which conclude the ideas not directly associated with those in question but helping to reason them.

A scientific book, paper, collection of works, lecture may be intended not only for specialists in the given field, but also for a larger audience, which is little if at all acquainted with a subject. In such a case the result is popular scientific paper aimed at popularizing scientific knowledge.

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