Writing a compelling abstract is one of the most critical skills for researchers worldwide. A well-crafted abstract can determine whether your work gets published, cited, or noticed by the global academic community. Yet, many researchers—especially non-native English speakers—unknowingly undermine their work with easily avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common abstract writing errors and how to fix them.

1. Being Too Vague or Overly Broad

Abstracts must be specific and concise. Avoid generic statements like "This study explores important issues in healthcare." Instead, write: "This randomized controlled trial examines the impact of telemedicine on patient adherence to hypertension treatment in rural India."

2. Failing to State the Research Problem Clearly

Readers should immediately understand the gap your research addresses. Don't assume reviewers or readers will "figure it out." Explicitly state the problem in the first or second sentence.

3. Ignoring the Word Limit

Most journals require abstracts between 150–300 words. Exceeding this limit may lead to automatic rejection. Be ruthless: remove redundant phrases, simplify syntax, and avoid unnecessary jargon.

4. Omitting Key Sections

A structured abstract (Objective, Methods, Results, Conclusion) is often preferred—especially in STEM fields. Even in disciplines favoring narrative abstracts, ensure all these elements are present.

5. Overusing Jargon and Abbreviations

While some technical terms are necessary, excessive jargon alienates non-specialists and indexing algorithms. Define acronyms on first use and prioritize clarity over complexity.

6. Making Unsupported Claims

Avoid hyperbolic statements like "this revolutionary discovery will change the field." Stick to evidence-based conclusions that directly reflect your results.

7. Writing in the Wrong Tense

Use present tense for established facts and conclusions ("results indicate"), past tense for methods ("we conducted"), and future tense for implications ("this will inform").

8. Neglecting Keywords

Include 3–5 keywords naturally within the abstract to improve discoverability in databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Think about what terms your peers would search for.

9. Forgetting the Audience

Tailor your abstract to the journal's readership. A clinical journal may prioritize practical implications, while a theoretical journal may emphasize methodological innovation.

10. Skipping Proofreading

Typos and grammatical errors signal carelessness. Read your abstract aloud, use tools like Grammarly, or ask a native English-speaking colleague to review it.

Final Tips

• Be precise and quantitative where possible (e.g., "a 27% improvement in outcomes").
• Highlight the novelty of your work without exaggerating.
• Follow journal guidelines exactly—every time.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll improve the clarity, impact, and searchability of your research. A strong abstract isn't just a summary—it's your chance to make a lasting first impression.