Common Errors in Academic Writing

Three of the most common phrases you'll find in academic books are:

Due to the fact that;

It is interesting to note; and

I think that.

All three are unnecessary and actually serve to reduce author "authority." It is no accident that these words share the same etymology. Both words are from the Latin auctor: creator, past participle of augere: to create or increase.

When writing a thesis or a manuscript, it is important to maintain author credibility throughout the work, and by striving to get rid of these three phrases, your finished product will be strengthened. The first two should simply be abolished, while the third should at least be tempered.

Due to the fact that
This phrase is more filler than anything else. The following example illustrates how a sentence can become more authoritative when an assertion is made as a statement of fact, rather than merely a point of circumstance. It is a subtle change that lends strength to the author's influence on the readers.

Due to the fact that many people like ice-cream, it is not surprising to see restaurateurs offering this treat in their establishments.

Better:
Many people like ice-cream, therefore, it is not surprising to see restaurateurs offering this treat in their establishments;

or,

Not surprising, restaurateurs offer ice-cream in their establishments because so many people enjoy this treat.

It is interesting to note