Circumlocution

Do not use lengthy phrases and definitions instead of single words. It is worth asking someone to check over your writing; people unfamiliar with the subject matter of a paper are more likely to detect these circumlocutions. Take this example.

The COD definition of can is ‘potentially capable of’: can prevent is better here, or, if a little circumspection is needed, could prevent. ‘Oral visual screening’ is looking in the mouth.

With some circumlocutions, the fault is not that a particular word has been expanded to its definition, but that the message can be expressed more succinctly. The ability to do this is especially useful when there is a word limit – for instance when submitting abstracts.

Paediatric patients are children. Write neonates, infants or older children, if these are what you are referring to; otherwise children is the inclusive term.

To determine the magnitude is to quantify or to measure.

This should be blood pressure in the arm; the upper extremity can include the shoulder. There is also unnecessary repetition of blood pressure and pulse amplitude and an incorrect usage – COMPRISES (of).