Why Scientific English Is So Hard to Read
Scientific papers are known for their complex language, dense structure, and intimidating tone. For many readers—even those within academia—scientific English can be frustratingly difficult to understand. But why is this the case? Shouldn’t communication about science be clear and accessible? Let’s explore the key reasons behind this communication challenge.
1. Precision Over Simplicity
One of the main goals of scientific writing is to be precise. Researchers must describe exactly what they did, how they did it, and what they found. This requires a level of detail that often leads to long sentences, passive voice, and technical jargon. Simpler language might sacrifice accuracy or introduce ambiguity, which is unacceptable in scientific contexts.
For example, instead of saying "we looked at how stress affects sleep," a scientific paper might say, "The influence of psychosocial stressors on nocturnal sleep quality was assessed through polysomnographic recordings." While both sentences convey a similar idea, the second is far more specific—and much harder to read.
2. Jargon and Technical Terminology
Every scientific field has its own set of specialized terms. These words often carry meanings that are not immediately obvious to outsiders. While jargon helps experts communicate efficiently, it acts as a barrier for those unfamiliar with the terminology.
Moreover, some terms are used differently in everyday language than in scientific discourse. For instance, in physics, "work" has a very specific definition, while in daily use, it simply means "a task." This disconnect can confuse even well-educated readers.
3. Passive Voice Dominates
Scientific writing frequently uses the passive voice to maintain objectivity. Instead of saying "We tested the hypothesis," scientists often write "The hypothesis was tested." This approach removes the personal subject from the sentence and emphasizes the process over the individual.
However, passive voice can make sentences harder to follow. Active constructions tend to be more direct and engaging, but in science, they’re often seen as less formal or too subjective.
4. Complex Sentence Structures
Scientific texts are filled with long, complex sentences that contain multiple clauses. This is partly due to the need to include detailed information, qualifiers, and references. But the result is often reader fatigue.
A single sentence might include the method, result, exception, and a citation—all packed into 40 words or more. Without breaks or simpler phrasing, readers must work hard just to parse the grammar before understanding the content.
5. Conventional Style and Cultural Norms
Scientific writing has evolved over centuries and has developed strict stylistic conventions. These conventions favor caution, understatement, and an impersonal tone. Phrases like “it is suggested that” or “this may indicate” are typical because scientists are trained to avoid bold claims without overwhelming evidence.
This cautious style can come across as vague or indirect, making it harder for readers to grasp the main point quickly. Additionally, many scientific papers are written by non-native English speakers who adopt a rigid structure to align with expected norms.
6. Lack of Storytelling or Narrative Flow
Human brains are wired for stories. We understand and remember information better when it follows a narrative arc. Scientific papers, however, rarely tell stories. They present facts, results, and references, often without a clear emotional or logical progression.
Without a narrative, readers must build their own mental structure to make sense of the information—an extra cognitive load that adds to the difficulty.
Conclusion
Scientific English is hard to read not because it’s trying to be exclusive, but because it’s trying to be precise, objective, and comprehensive. While these goals are essential for research integrity, they often come at the expense of readability.
Fortunately, there’s a growing movement toward clearer science communication. More researchers are being trained in science writing, and some journals now encourage plainer language summaries. By balancing precision with clarity, we can make science more accessible—and ultimately, more impactful.
🧠Quiz: Why Scientific English Is So Hard to Read
1. Why do scientists often use complex, technical language in their writing?
A. To make their work sound more impressive
B. To ensure the language is vague and open to interpretation
C. To be precise and avoid ambiguity
D. To discourage non-experts from reading their work
✅ Correct Answer: C. To be precise and avoid ambiguity
Explanation: Scientific language prioritizes precision, even if it sacrifices simplicity. This helps researchers avoid misinterpretation of their methods and results.
2. What is one drawback of using too much passive voice in scientific writing?
A. It makes the writing more emotional
B. It removes necessary technical details
C. It can make the sentences less engaging and harder to follow
D. It increases grammatical errors
✅ Correct Answer: C. It can make the sentences less engaging and harder to follow
Explanation: Passive voice can obscure the subject of the sentence, making the meaning less clear and the writing harder to process.
3. How does the use of jargon affect scientific communication?
A. It makes the writing more relatable to general audiences
B. It enhances the storytelling element
C. It helps experts communicate more efficiently but excludes non-experts
D. It makes the writing more humorous and light-hearted
✅ Correct Answer: C. It helps experts communicate more efficiently but excludes non-experts
Explanation: Jargon is useful among specialists but often confusing for general readers, creating a communication barrier.
4. Why do scientific papers often avoid storytelling or narrative flow?
A. Stories are not allowed in scientific writing
B. Scientists are trained to prioritize objectivity and structure over narrative
C. Storytelling leads to plagiarism
D. Scientific journals prefer fictional writing styles
✅ Correct Answer: B. Scientists are trained to prioritize objectivity and structure over narrative
Explanation: Scientific writing emphasizes logic, evidence, and neutrality, which often leads to rigid formats that lack storytelling flow.
5. What is one reason scientific English is especially difficult for non-native speakers to write?
A. They are not allowed to publish in English
B. English has no structure for science
C. They must follow strict stylistic norms in an unfamiliar language
D. Most scientific terms are in Latin
✅ Correct Answer: C. They must follow strict stylistic norms in an unfamiliar language
Explanation: Scientific writing requires mastery of formal English and discipline-specific conventions, which is challenging for non-native speakers.
🧠Flashcards: Why Scientific English Is So Hard to Read
🔹 Flashcard 1
Front: Why is scientific English often hard to read?
Back: Because it prioritizes precision, objectivity, and technical accuracy, which often leads to complex language and structure.
🔹 Flashcard 2
Front: What is the main goal of scientific language?
Back: To be precise and avoid ambiguity, even if it makes the language more complex.
🔹 Flashcard 3
Front: How does jargon affect scientific communication?
Back: It helps experts communicate efficiently but creates barriers for non-experts and general readers.
🔹 Flashcard 4
Front: Why is passive voice commonly used in scientific writing?
Back: To emphasize the process or results over the researcher and maintain objectivity.
🔹 Flashcard 5
Front: What is a downside of using passive voice too much?
Back: It can make sentences less clear and harder to follow, reducing engagement.
🔹 Flashcard 6
Front: Why are scientific sentences often long and complex?
Back: They include detailed information, multiple clauses, and qualifiers to ensure thoroughness and accuracy.
🔹 Flashcard 7
Front: How do conventional writing norms affect scientific English?
Back: They encourage impersonal, cautious, and rigid structures that can hinder readability.
🔹 Flashcard 8
Front: Why is the lack of storytelling a problem in scientific writing?
Back: It makes information harder to follow and remember, since humans naturally understand stories better than raw data.
🔹 Flashcard 9
Front: Why is scientific English especially challenging for non-native speakers?
Back: Because they must follow strict stylistic norms and use technical vocabulary in a second language.
🔹 Flashcard 10
Front: What is a current trend in science communication?
Back: A growing movement toward clearer, more accessible scientific writing for broader audiences.
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