One limitation is names weaknesses, a key strength is a gain, from this perspective a viewpoint; a closer look and when carefully evaluated add scrutiny.
Naming strengths and limitations
Not "One problem of the study is its small sample size." — say "One limitation of the study is its small sample size.". Use limitation for a constraint you name honestly; "problem" sounds like a fault.
Try it: Hiroshi: The method is fast, but we only tested it on one dataset. Diego: Right. So in the write-up, ___ the narrow test set. Which reply names the narrow test set as a research constraint? (one limitation is / a key strength is / from this perspective) Answer: one limitation is — One limitation is names a constraint on the study, while "a key strength is" would praise it.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
one limitation is
/wʌn ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃən ɪz/
One limitation of the survey is that it only asked students.
a key strength is
/ə ki strɛŋθ ɪz/
A key strength of the plan is that it costs very little.
from this perspective
/frʌm ðɪs pərˈspɛktɪv/
From this perspective, the delay looks like a design choice, not an accident.
a closer look
/ə ˈkloʊsər lʊk/
A closer look at the figures shows the rise came from one region alone.
when carefully evaluated
/wɛn ˈkɛrfəli ɪˈvæljueɪtɪd/
When carefully evaluated, the scheme saves less than it costs.
Conceding before you push back
Open a concession with admittedly, while this may be true, or it must be acknowledged that; it grants a point before you push back.
Not "From this perspective, the results are weak, but the method is sound." — say "Admittedly, the results are weak, but the method is sound.". Admittedly grants the other side a point, while "from this perspective" only frames a viewpoint.
Try it: Sofia: Your model is accurate, but it's far too slow for real-time use. Hiroshi: ___, the speed is a weakness, but accuracy matters more here. Which reply grants Sofia's point before pushing back? (Admittedly / From this perspective / One limitation is) Answer: Admittedly — Admittedly concedes the point before pushing back, while "from this perspective" only frames a viewpoint.
Try it: Lani: People assume the drop in scores means the new syllabus failed. Yasmin: But ___, it looks more like a one-year adjustment dip. Which reply reframes the data through a particular viewpoint? (from this perspective / admittedly / a key strength is) Answer: from this perspective — From this perspective reframes the same data through a viewpoint, while "admittedly" would concede the claim.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
admittedly
/ədˈmɪtɪdli/
Admittedly, the early results were mixed, but the trend later reversed.
while this may be true
/waɪl ðɪs meɪ bi tru/
While this may be true, it ignores the cost of retraining staff.
it must be acknowledged that
/ɪt mʌst bi əkˈnɑlɪdʒd ðæt/
It must be acknowledged that the sample skewed toward younger users.
Signaling how closely you looked
At first glance gives a first impression, on closer examination and upon analysis report a careful look, and in contrast introduces the opposite case.
Not "On closer look, the plan has gaps." — say "On closer examination, the plan has gaps.". Say on closer examination or a closer look; "on closer look" mixes the two.
Try it: Ira: Your poster looked perfect to me. Maya: It looked perfect to me too, but ___, I spotted two spelling mistakes. Which words fit the blank? (on closer examination / at first glance / one limitation is) Answer: on closer examination — On closer examination reports what a careful second look found; "at first glance" is only a first impression.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
at first glance
/æt fɜrst ɡlæns/
At first glance, the two logos look identical.
on closer examination
/ɑn ˈkloʊsər ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/
On closer examination, the signature on the letter turned out to be printed.
upon analysis
/əˈpɑn əˈnæləsɪs/
Upon analysis, the survey answers split almost evenly between the two options.
in contrast
/ɪn ˈkɑnˌtræst/
Sales rose in the city. In contrast, rural stores lost customers.
What are the common mistakes?
Incorrect
Correct
Why
One problem of the study is its small sample size.
One limitation of the study is its small sample size.
Use limitation for a constraint you name honestly; "problem" sounds like a fault.
From this perspective, the results are weak, but the method is sound.
Admittedly, the results are weak, but the method is sound.
Admittedly grants the other side a point, while "from this perspective" only frames a viewpoint.
On closer look, the plan has gaps.
On closer examination, the plan has gaps.
Say on closer examination or a closer look; "on closer look" mixes the two.