Do \u201cbacteria actually prefer XYZ as a growth medium\u201d? Do \u201ccows in the United States prefer to \u2018socialize\u2019 when they eat\u201d? Or do \u201cyeast strains found in rich soil regularly attack each other\u201d? If you, as an academic writer, have said \u201cyes\u201d to any or all of these questions when writing your manuscript, you are guilty of \u201canthropomorphism.\u201d<\/p>\n
We tend to ascribe human feelings and behaviors to anything we are discussing, including the research papers we are writing. This is called\u00a0Anthropomorphism<\/em>\u00a0or\u00a0Personification<\/em>. While anthropomorphism makes for a compelling storytelling, especially in mythology and religion, it has very little place in academic manuscripts.<\/p>\n According to the APA guidelines, \u201c\u2026writing with anthropomorphism means that the writer attributes an action to objects that cannot take that action\u2026\u201d Objects typically cannot take human-like action and it is important that the action (verb) which the object does or takes is appropriate for that object.<\/p>\n Also, according to the Merriam-Webster\u2019s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, anthropomorphism is \u201can interpretation of what is not human or personal in terms of human or personal characteristics.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the main aims of academic writing is \u201cclear communication.\u201d That is why continuity, smoothness, economy of expression, an appropriately formal tone, and precision and clarity are so important.<\/p>\n Writing with clarity is especially important when it comes to an international audience or an audience whose first language may not be English. These audiences are best served by presenting text in a straightforward manner. Here are some tips to ensure that your writing is clear and coherent\u00a0when it comes to anthropomorphism:<\/p>\n\n