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Synonyms and antonyms of do research on in English

Do research on.

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a toy made from cloth and filled with a soft material so that it is pleasant to hold, often in the form of an animal

Like a bull in a china shop: talking about people who are clumsy

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50 Useful Academic Words & Phrases for Research

Like all good writing, writing an academic paper takes a certain level of skill to express your ideas and arguments in a way that is natural and that meets a level of academic sophistication. The terms, expressions, and phrases you use in your research paper must be of an appropriate level to be submitted to academic journals.

Therefore, authors need to know which verbs , nouns , and phrases to apply to create a paper that is not only easy to understand, but which conveys an understanding of academic conventions. Using the correct terminology and usage shows journal editors and fellow researchers that you are a competent writer and thinker, while using non-academic language might make them question your writing ability, as well as your critical reasoning skills.

What are academic words and phrases?

One way to understand what constitutes good academic writing is to read a lot of published research to find patterns of usage in different contexts. However, it may take an author countless hours of reading and might not be the most helpful advice when faced with an upcoming deadline on a manuscript draft.

Briefly, “academic” language includes terms, phrases, expressions, transitions, and sometimes symbols and abbreviations that help the pieces of an academic text fit together. When writing an academic text–whether it is a book report, annotated bibliography, research paper, research poster, lab report, research proposal, thesis, or manuscript for publication–authors must follow academic writing conventions. You can often find handy academic writing tips and guidelines by consulting the style manual of the text you are writing (i.e., APA Style , MLA Style , or Chicago Style ).

However, sometimes it can be helpful to have a list of academic words and expressions like the ones in this article to use as a “cheat sheet” for substituting the better term in a given context.

How to Choose the Best Academic Terms

You can think of writing “academically” as writing in a way that conveys one’s meaning effectively but concisely. For instance, while the term “take a look at” is a perfectly fine way to express an action in everyday English, a term like “analyze” would certainly be more suitable in most academic contexts. It takes up fewer words on the page and is used much more often in published academic papers.

You can use one handy guideline when choosing the most academic term: When faced with a choice between two different terms, use the Latinate version of the term. Here is a brief list of common verbs versus their academic counterparts:

Although this can be a useful tip to help academic authors, it can be difficult to memorize dozens of Latinate verbs. Using an AI paraphrasing tool or proofreading tool can help you instantly find more appropriate academic terms, so consider using such revision tools while you draft to improve your writing.

Top 50 Words and Phrases for Different Sections in a Research Paper

The “Latinate verb rule” is just one tool in your arsenal of academic writing, and there are many more out there. But to make the process of finding academic language a bit easier for you, we have compiled a list of 50 vital academic words and phrases, divided into specific categories and use cases, each with an explanation and contextual example.

Best Words and Phrases to use in an Introduction section

1. historically.

An adverb used to indicate a time perspective, especially when describing the background of a given topic.

2. In recent years

A temporal marker emphasizing recent developments, often used at the very beginning of your Introduction section.

3. It is widely acknowledged that

A “form phrase” indicating a broad consensus among researchers and/or the general public. Often used in the literature review section to build upon a foundation of established scientific knowledge.

4. There has been growing interest in

Highlights increasing attention to a topic and tells the reader why your study might be important to this field of research.

5. Preliminary observations indicate

Shares early insights or findings while hedging on making any definitive conclusions. Modal verbs like may , might , and could are often used with this expression.

6. This study aims to

Describes the goal of the research and is a form phrase very often used in the research objective or even the hypothesis of a research paper .

7. Despite its significance

Highlights the importance of a matter that might be overlooked. It is also frequently used in the rationale of the study section to show how your study’s aim and scope build on previous studies.

8. While numerous studies have focused on

Indicates the existing body of work on a topic while pointing to the shortcomings of certain aspects of that research. Helps focus the reader on the question, “What is missing from our knowledge of this topic?” This is often used alongside the statement of the problem in research papers.

9. The purpose of this research is

A form phrase that directly states the aim of the study.

10. The question arises (about/whether)

Poses a query or research problem statement for the reader to acknowledge.

Best Words and Phrases for Clarifying Information

11. in other words.

Introduces a synopsis or the rephrasing of a statement for clarity. This is often used in the Discussion section statement to explain the implications of the study .

12. That is to say

Provides clarification, similar to “in other words.”

13. To put it simply

Simplifies a complex idea, often for a more general readership.

14. To clarify

Specifically indicates to the reader a direct elaboration of a previous point.

15. More specifically

Narrows down a general statement from a broader one. Often used in the Discussion section to clarify the meaning of a specific result.

16. To elaborate

Expands on a point made previously.

17. In detail

Indicates a deeper dive into information.

Points out specifics. Similar meaning to “specifically” or “especially.”

19. This means that

Explains implications and/or interprets the meaning of the Results section .

20. Moreover

Expands a prior point to a broader one that shows the greater context or wider argument.

Best Words and Phrases for Giving Examples

21. for instance.

Provides a specific case that fits into the point being made.

22. As an illustration

Demonstrates a point in full or in part.

23. To illustrate

Shows a clear picture of the point being made.

24. For example

Presents a particular instance. Same meaning as “for instance.”

25. Such as

Lists specifics that comprise a broader category or assertion being made.

26. Including

Offers examples as part of a larger list.

27. Notably

Adverb highlighting an important example. Similar meaning to “especially.”

28. Especially

Adverb that emphasizes a significant instance.

29. In particular

Draws attention to a specific point.

30. To name a few

Indicates examples than previously mentioned are about to be named.

Best Words and Phrases for Comparing and Contrasting

31. however.

Introduces a contrasting idea.

32. On the other hand

Highlights an alternative view or fact.

33. Conversely

Indicates an opposing or reversed idea to the one just mentioned.

34. Similarly

Shows likeness or parallels between two ideas, objects, or situations.

35. Likewise

Indicates agreement with a previous point.

36. In contrast

Draws a distinction between two points.

37. Nevertheless

Introduces a contrasting point, despite what has been said.

38. Whereas

Compares two distinct entities or ideas.

Indicates a contrast between two points.

Signals an unexpected contrast.

Best Words and Phrases to use in a Conclusion section

41. in conclusion.

Signifies the beginning of the closing argument.

42. To sum up

Offers a brief summary.

43. In summary

Signals a concise recap.

44. Ultimately

Reflects the final or main point.

45. Overall

Gives a general concluding statement.

Indicates a resulting conclusion.

Demonstrates a logical conclusion.

48. Therefore

Connects a cause and its effect.

49. It can be concluded that

Clearly states a conclusion derived from the data.

50. Taking everything into consideration

Reflects on all the discussed points before concluding.

Edit Your Research Terms and Phrases Before Submission

Using these phrases in the proper places in your research papers can enhance the clarity, flow, and persuasiveness of your writing, especially in the Introduction section and Discussion section, which together make up the majority of your paper’s text in most academic domains.

However, it's vital to ensure each phrase is contextually appropriate to avoid redundancy or misinterpretation. As mentioned at the top of this article, the best way to do this is to 1) use an AI text editor , free AI paraphrase tool or AI proofreading tool while you draft to enhance your writing, and 2) consult a professional proofreading service like Wordvice, which has human editors well versed in the terminology and conventions of the specific subject area of your academic documents.

For more detailed information on using AI tools to write a research paper and the best AI tools for research , check out the Wordvice AI Blog .

Instantly enhance your writing in real-time while you type. With LanguageTool

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“According To”: Phrases You Can Use Instead

“According to” is a useful phrase, but be careful not to overuse it in your writing. Below, you’ll find 11 other ways to say “according to.”

Quick Summary on “According To”

According to is a preposition used to state what someone else has said. It also means “agreeing with, following, or depending on something else.”

• According to the weather forecast, it’ll be snowing all day tomorrow.
• We’re doing everything according to plan.

What Does “According To” Mean?

According to is a phrase that has a few different uses. It means “in conformity with” and also “depending on.” But it’s also commonly used when writers need to credit a quote, fact, statement, data, or any other source of information to someone (or something) else.

This phrase can be found at the beginning or towards the end of sentences.

According to the results of the study, there is an increase in resistance to antibiotics.

There is an increase in resistance to antibiotics, according to the results of the study.

If you’re writing a college essay or any other type of text that relies heavily on other sources, you may find yourself repeating this phrase too often. To vary vocabulary within your writing, you can use the following according to synonyms.

You can ensure you're using these and other phrases correctly with our Grammar Check tool.

11 “According To” Synonyms

Before we go over other ways to say according to , it’s worth mentioning that an excellent alternative is to simply rewrite the text to be more direct. Here’s an example:

According to Dr. Joseph, the fracture will not heal properly if Jacob doesn’t get enough rest. ↓ Dr. Joseph warned that the fracture will not heal properly if Jacob doesn’t get enough rest.

But if you’re in need of other ways to say according to, you can check out the examples below or try our Paraphrase Tool .

1. As stated in/by

According to the contract, both parties will split the profit. ↓ As stated in the contract, both parties will split the profit.

According to the lawyers, both parties will split the profit. ↓ As stated by the lawyers, both parties will split the profit.

2. As explained by

According to the professor, the first two years of college are crucial. ↓ As explained by the professor, the first two years of college are crucial.

3. Based on

According to the data, there has been a decrease in the gazelle’s natural habitat. ↓ Based on the data, there has been a decrease in the gazelle’s natural habitat.

There was nothing to report, according to the student who witnessed the incident. ↓ There was nothing to report, per the student who witnessed the incident.

5. As mentioned in/by

According to the Little Town Times, the holiday parade will take place this upcoming Sunday. ↓ As mentioned in Little Town Times, the holiday parade will take place this upcoming Sunday.

According to Claire Luna, the holiday parade will take place this upcoming Sunday. ↓ As mentioned by Claire Luna, the holiday party will take place this upcoming Sunday.

6. As indicated in/by

According to the trial, the side effects are minimal. ↓ As indicated in the study, the side effects are minimal.

According to the lead scientist, the benefits far outweigh the risk. ↓ As indicated by the lead scientist, the benefits far outweigh the risk.

7. From the point of view of

According to my younger cousins, Christmas is the best holiday. ↓ From the point of view of my younger cousins, Christmas is the best holiday.

8. On the authority of

According to Sergeant Culpepper, the entire team has to stay overnight. ↓ On the authority of Sergeant Culpepper, the entire team has to stay overnight.

9. Pursuant to

The proposal has been submitted according to the instructions. ↓ The proposal has been submitted pursuant to the instructions.

10. As demonstrated by

According to the presentation, remodeling is crucial for the foundation. ↓ As demonstrated by the presentation, remodeling is crucial for the foundation.

11. As maintained by

According to fitness experts, a healthy and wholesome diet is just as important as exercise. ↓ As maintained by fitness experts, a healthy and wholesome diet is just as important as exercise.

According to the Rest, LanguageTool Is the Best

Seeking other ways to say according to is a great way to make sure your writing is effective. After all, a strong and varied vocabulary is one of the pillars of successful writing.

You’ll also want to ensure that your grammar and punctuation are error-free. LanguageTool—a multilingual text editor— can help with this. LanguageTool can correct different types of mistakes, but it can also offer stylistic improvements and help rephrase your sentences to be more formal, fluent, or concise. Start writing flawlessly today !

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Other forms: researches; researching; researched

In their spare time, teenagers LOVE doing extra research , by investigating the facts of a certain subject and studying and recording what they learn. And if you believe that, you need to do more research on the habits of teenagers.

Research comes from the Old French word recercher , meaning "seek out," or "search closely." When you do research, you are searching for knowledge and facts. Although you write plenty of research papers in college, on anything from the Industrial Revolution to the meaning behind a fur-lined teacup, the term is often used when talking about science, because scientists use step-by-step research to prove what is true, or not true, in their line of work.

• noun a search for knowledge “their pottery deserves more research than it has received” synonyms: enquiry , inquiry see more see less types: show 11 types... hide 11 types... nature study the study of animals and plants in the natural world (usually at an elementary level) experiment , experimentation the testing of an idea empirical research an empirical search for knowledge investigation , probe an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities canvass , opinion poll , poll , public opinion poll , survey an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people heraldry the study and classification of armorial bearings and the tracing of genealogies pilot experiment a preliminary experiment whose outcome can lead to a more extensive experiment test , trial , trial run , tryout trying something to find out about it fishing expedition an investigation undertaken in the hope (but not the stated purpose) of discovering information exit poll a poll of voters as they leave the voting place; usually taken by news media in order to predict the outcome of an election straw poll , straw vote an unofficial vote taken to determine opinion on some issue type of: problem solving the thought processes involved in solving a problem
• noun systematic investigation to establish facts see more see less types: show 15 types... hide 15 types... operations research research designed to determine most efficient way to do something field work an investigation carried out in the field rather than in a laboratory or headquarters market research , marketing research research that gathers and analyzes information about the moving of good or services from producer to consumer microscopy research with the use of microscopes probe an investigation conducted using a flexible surgical instrument to explore an injury or a body cavity research project , scientific research research into questions posed by scientific theories and hypotheses big science scientific research that requires massive capital investment but is expected to yield very significant results biological research scientific research conducted by biologists experiment , experimentation the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation market analysis marketing research that yields information about the marketplace product research marketing research that yields information about desired characteristics of the product or service consumer research marketing research that yields information about the motives and needs of different classes of consumers electron microscopy microscopy with the use of electron microscopes dark field illumination , dark ground illumination a form of microscopic examination of living material by scattered light; specimens appear luminous against a dark background fluorescence microscopy light microscopy in which the specimen is irradiated at wavelengths that excite fluorochromes type of: investigating , investigation the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically
• verb inquire into “the students had to research the history of the Second World War for their history project” synonyms: delve , explore , search see more see less types: show 5 types... hide 5 types... prospect explore for useful or valuable things or substances, such as minerals google search the internet (for information) using the Google search engine mapquest search for a location and directions by means of the MapQuest program re-explore explore anew beat about , cast about , cast around search anxiously type of: investigate , look into investigate scientifically
• verb attempt to find out in a systematic and scientific manner “The student researched the history of that word” see more see less types: consult , look up , refer seek information from type of: investigate , look into investigate scientifically

Vocabulary lists containing research

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Synonyms for Do research on

29 other terms for do research on - words and phrases with similar meaning.

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Definition of research

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of research  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

intransitive verb

• disquisition
• examination
• exploration
• inquisition
• investigation
• delve (into)
• inquire (into)
• investigate
• look (into)

Examples of research in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'research.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle French recerche , from recercher to go about seeking, from Old French recerchier , from re- + cerchier, sercher to search — more at search

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 3

1588, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing research

• marketing research
• market research
• operations research
• oppo research

research and development

• research park
• translational research

Dictionary Entries Near research

Cite this entry.

“Research.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/research. Accessed 10 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of research.

Kids Definition of research  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on research

Nglish: Translation of research for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of research for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about research

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