Wolfgang Viechtbauer

When providing feedback on papers/manuscripts that I am given to read, I occasionally use a set of keywords to simplify and accelerate the feedback process. Below you can find that list of keywords, together with an explanation of their meaning.

• flow: the sentence/paragraph does not "flow" very well
• wording: the wording is awkward or needs improvement
• spelling: check the spelling of this word (or in the entire paragraph)
• grammar: there are issues with the grammar in this sentence/paragraph
• order: you use or discuss a topic/issue/concept here that has not yet been properly defined or that is defined further below in the text
• colloquial: the wording is too colloquial for such a manuscript
• tense: inconsistent/inappropriate tense

I use these keywords when I think that their use is unambiguous (i.e., when it should be clear why a particular word/sentence/section of the manuscript is marked with one of the keywords). If this is not the case, please let me know and I'll provide a further explanation.

Most style guides recommend to use a comma immediately before the coordinating conjunction (e.g., "and" or "or") in a series of three or more items. For example: "The current findings provide further insight into the complex link between minor daily stress, affect, and psychotic experiences." Note the comma before the "and". For more details on the use of the serial comma (also called the Hardvard or Oxford comma), see Wikipedia.

According to most style guides, the abbreviations "e.g." and "i.e." should only be used in parentheses (i.e., like this). In the text, use "for example" and "that is" instead of these abbreviations. Also, most style guides recommend placing a comma after using these abbreviations (e.g., like this).