The following list of phrases and their definitions might help you understand the mysterious language of science and medicine. These special phrases are also applicable to anyone reading a PhD dissertation or academic paper.

• "It has long been known"...
• I didn't look up the original reference.
• "A definite trend is evident"...
• These data are practically meaningless.
• "While it has not been possible to provide definite answers to the questions"...
• An unsuccessful experiment but I still hope to get it published.
• "Three of the samples were chosen for detailed study"...
• The other results didn't make any sense.
• "Typical results are shown"...
• This is the prettiest graph.
• "These results will be in a subsequent report"...
• I might get around to this sometime, if pushed/funded.
• "In my experience"...
• Once.
"In case after case"...
• Twice.
• "In a series of cases"...
• Thrice.
• "It is believed that"...
• I think.
• "It is generally believed that"...
• A couple of others think so, too.
• "Correct within an order of magnitude"...
• Wrong.
• "According to statistical analysis"...
• Rumour has it.
• "A statistically-oriented projection of the significance of these findings"...
• A wild guess.
• "A careful analysis of obtainable data"...
• Three pages of notes were obliterated when I knocked over a glass of iced tea.
• "It is clear that much additional work will be required before a complete understanding of this phenomenon occurs"...
• I don't understand it.
• "After additinal study by my colleagues"...
• They don't understand it either.
• "Thanks are due to Joe Blotz for assitance with the experiment and to Cindy Adams for valuable discussions"...
• Mr. Blotz did the work and Ms. Adams explained to me what it meant.
• "A highly significant area for exploratory study"...
• A totally useless topic selected by my committee.
• "It is hoped that this study will stimulate further investigation in this field"...
• I quit.