Try Free Grammar Checker

What a lab report must do (brief)

A lab report’s purpose is to record what you did, why you did it, how you did it, what you observed, and what those observations mean. Most institutions expect a clear structure: title or abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, references. This structure allows another researcher to reproduce the work. Follow your course or journal’s prescribed format since sections and levels of detail vary by discipline, but the core aims are consistent.
Source: University of Nottingham, How to structure and write lab reports.

Why grammar and consistency matter

Grammar affects not only readability but also scientific clarity. Ambiguous phrasing, inconsistent units, or incorrect tense can make procedures unreproducible and results hard to interpret. Instructors and editors frequently flag clarity and omitted procedural details as common problems. Fixing grammar is a practical step toward stronger argumentation and reproducibility.
Source: Clemson University Writing Center, Writing lab reports.

Common grammar errors (and how to fix them)

1) Tense misuse and inconsistency
Mistake: Mixing past and present indiscriminately across methods and results.
Example: “We measure the voltage and found …”
Why it matters: Tense shows whether actions are completed and helps readers follow the timeline.
How to fix: Use past tense for procedures and results, present tense for general facts or references to figures and tables. Keep one dominant tense per section.
Before: We measure the samples, and the data showed an increase in conductivity.
After: We measured the samples, and the data showed an increase in conductivity.
Source: Clemson University Writing Center.

2) Ambiguous or incorrect subject–verb agreement
Mistake: Errors with collective nouns or compound subjects.
Example: “The data indicates …”
Why it matters: Agreement errors distract readers and suggest carelessness.
How to fix: Treat “data” as plural: “The data indicate …” Use “dataset” if you mean a single collection.

3) Overuse of passive voice and unclear agents
Mistake: Excessive passive voice that hides who did what.
Example: “The solution was heated for 10 minutes.”
Why it matters: Passive voice can be fine in Methods, but overuse reduces clarity.
How to fix: Use active voice when it improves clarity. In Methods, passive is fine for routine steps, but use active for choices or deviations.
Example: We heated the solution to 80 °C to speed hydrolysis.

4) Articles, prepositions, and word choice errors (especially for non-native speakers)
Mistake: Missing articles or wrong prepositions.
Examples: “We used centrifuge” instead of “We used a centrifuge”; “different to” instead of “different from.”
Why it matters: Small function-word errors slow comprehension and can change meaning.
How to fix: Read sentences aloud to catch missing articles. Check trusted style guides. Rephrase to avoid tricky constructions if needed.

5) Punctuation with numbers, units, and significant figures
Mistake: Inconsistent units or spacing, and inconsistent significant figures.
Examples: “10ml” vs “10 mL.”
Why it matters: Units and significant figures carry quantitative meaning. Errors introduce uncertainty and weaken comparisons.
How to fix: Follow SI conventions: space between number and unit, consistent decimal places, consistent significant figures. Follow your department or journal rules.
Source: Boston University engineering lab report format guidance.

6) Mislabelled or vague figure and table references
Mistake: Referring to “see figure” without a number or describing the wrong axis.
Why it matters: Figures and tables are part of your evidence. Wrong references break the chain of reasoning.
How to fix: Number all figures and tables, reference them explicitly in text (for example, “Figure 2 shows …”), and state the key trend or value the reader should notice.

Discipline-specific pitfalls

• Methods too vague or missing controls
  Do not omit details needed for reproduction. State protocol changes explicitly.
  Source: Trent University, Writing lab reports: Methods.

• Statistical reporting
  Report the test used, sample size, exact p-values when appropriate, and confidence intervals. Do not just say “significant.” Report measures such as mean ± SD with consistent decimals.

• Nomenclature and abbreviations
  Define abbreviations at first use and be consistent with gene or protein names, chemical nomenclature, or device models. Follow the relevant style guide.

Practical, step-by-step editing workflow (apply before submission)

1. Self-check pass: review one issue at a time. Tense, then subject–verb agreement, then articles and prepositions, then numbers and units, then figures and references.

2. Read aloud to catch missing words, run-ons, and awkward phrasing.

3. Peer review: ask a classmate or TA to check whether the methods are reproducible and the results are clear.

4. Tool-assisted pass: use an academic-aware grammar checker to flag consistency issues.

   Try Free Grammar Checker

5. Final formatting: confirm citation style, figure captions, and table formatting match the rubric or journal.

Before and after example (conciseness and clarity)

Before:
The experiment was done to test whether the catalyst would improve the reaction rate by measuring the time and the temperature was controlled by a bath.

After:
We measured reaction time at 25.0 ± 0.1 °C to test whether the catalyst improved conversion rate.

The revised version is specific about what was measured, how it was measured, and under what conditions.

When and how automated tools help

Automated grammar checkers speed up routine corrections such as spelling, subject–verb agreement, and article errors. They can also flag consistency issues across drafts. Academic-focused tools may include discipline-specific dictionaries and style preferences that standard spell checkers miss. Research on workplace writing tools shows measurable reductions in writing errors when AI assistants are used, suggesting practical gains in clarity and accuracy.
Source: Grammarly research overview on the effects of AI at work.

Using Trinka to address these problems (tool fit, not a panacea)

For lab reports, a domain-aware grammar checker can flag tense inconsistencies, discipline-specific spelling, inconsistent units, and vague phrasing. Trinka offers advanced academic checks, subject-specific dictionaries, and consistency features for research writing. If you work with sensitive data such as patient information or proprietary results, use a confidential plan that provides stronger data controls. Always apply scientific judgment when accepting or rejecting tool suggestions.
Sources: Trinka grammar checker features and Trinka privacy and institutional solutions.

Checklist for final submission

1. Run a single-issue manual pass (tense, then units, then figures).

2. Use an academic-aware grammar checker for consistency and discipline-specific terms.

3. Confirm that methods include enough detail for reproducibility and replace vague verbs with quantities.

4. Standardize units and significant figures across the document.

5. Verify figure and table numbering and in-text references.

6. Run plagiarism or citation checks if required.

7. Do a final read-aloud pass for flow and clarity.

Conclusion

Clear lab reports reflect precise lab work. Fixing common grammar errors such as tense misuse, agreement errors, vague agents, inconsistent units, and poor figure referencing improves reproducibility, strengthens your argument, and reduces negative feedback. Use the step-by-step workflow, apply an academic-aware grammar checker to speed repetitive fixes, and protect sensitive data with appropriate privacy controls. Start with one focused edit pass today, then layer in tool-assisted checks to make each draft clearer.