In scientific writing, the use of active voice is preferred; however, APS style does not rigidly enforce this rule. Use your judgment and leave the author's voice if it is clear and consistent.
bad
Data were collected by our laboratory...
good
We collected the data...
Subjunctive mood is used to express a wish, a supposition, or a condition contrary to fact. It is sometimes used incorrectly, e.g., where matters of fact, not supposition, are discussed. In the example below, the indicative — not subjunctive — is correct.
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The patient insisted that she be treated immediately. (subjunctive)
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The patient insisted on immediate treatement. (indicative)
The use of double negatives to express a positive is acceptable, although it yields a weaker affirmative. Do not use so-called double negatives to reinforce the negative, however.
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Our results are not inconsistent with the null hypothesis.
Rheumatologic complaints were not uncommon in both groups.
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The physicians can't hardly keep penicillin in stock.
Split infinitives are now acceptable, although some authors may object to their use, so do not change the original nonsplit construction, even if it "sounds better" to you with a split infinitive (which is sometimes clearer).
last edited 07/31/03