[50] Key word: pose
In this example, pose is a more formal way of saying ask. Another common meaning of pose is represent, and it is often used with the following words: a (serious) problem, challenge, threat, risk.
[51] Subject/verb agreement: complex subjects (I)
Notice that demonstrates agrees with work (it) rather than with Smith et al. (they).
[52] Subject/verb agreement: complex subjects (II)
Notice that the verb agrees with each rather than with the plural noun:
Each of the respondents was (NOT “were”) asked to complete a 10-item questionnaire.
[53] Relative clauses: which/that
When the relative pronoun which is preceded by a comma (i.e., when it adds extra information to a clause), it can’t be replaced by that:
a. These are the research questions which/that inspired the present study.
b. Smith’s study, which (NOT “that”) was published in 2015, has a number of flaws.
[54] Linking ideas: association
You can also use related and intertwined to say that there is an association between two ideas:
a. The problems of crime and unemployment are closely related.
b. Smith argued that domestic violence and substance abuse are inextricably intertwined.
[55] Key word: frame
Here are other ways to use frame as a verb: frame public policies, your argument (in academic terms), your question (precisely), the debate (in terms of social issues), the issue (in a way that resonates with people).
[56] Relative clauses: who/which
Use which to refer to Smith’s work and who to refer to Smith himself. Remember you can’t use that in either case.
[57] Key word: draw
In the last two examples, draw on means base on. Here are other common uses of draw:
a. It is impossible to draw any firm conclusion from the results. (=reach)
b. Smith drew an interesting analogy between music and language learning. (=establish)
c. Jones’ arguments have drawn a lot of criticism. (=attract)
[58] Style: former/latter
In formal writing, former refers to the first of two mentioned people or things, while latter refers to the second. They usually appear as a pair:
The questionnaires were distributed to teachers and students. The former were asked specific questions about methodology, while the latter answered more general questions.
Remember: Former is the first word. Both former and first start with “F.” Latter is the last word. Both latter and last start with “L.”