2025.09.13 – Language Accuracy, Dutch Learning, and Discipline in Action

Learning objective

The objective is to present an exhaustive account of issues raised in the review of a scientific manuscript, to integrate reflections on the use of Dutch language basics, and to connect these linguistic themes with the concept of discipline understood as order and constancy in action.

CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS

1. A central concern is the overuse of the expression employed by in an English scientific text. The key observation is that employed by usually signals a contractual or work relationship, while used by is more appropriate for theories, techniques, or instruments. This distinction forms the basis for improving clarity in academic English.
2. Specific examples from the manuscript involve references to the Judd–Ofelt theory, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. In each case, the text describes these methods as “employed,” although “used” would be clearer and more natural. The recommendation is to systematically replace employed with used, except in contexts referring to employment of people.
3. The use of the article the is a second key theme. In general academic prose, the is applied to mark specific, defined items. However, references to numbered figures and tables conventionally omit the article. Therefore, “Figure 3 shows …” is correct, while “the Figure 3” appears awkward and incorrect.
4. Manuscript excerpts confirm this practice, with mentions of Figure 1, Figure 5, and Table 6 written without the article. Elsewhere, the definite article is correctly applied to highlight precision, such as in “the density” or “the calculated ratios.” Thus, the general rule is to keep the except when referring to numbered figures and tables.
5. Another foundation is the emphasis on exact time and location. Reports are dated Tuesday, 9 September 2025, at 19:06 local time in the Netherlands. This is expressed as CEST with an equivalence to UTC. CEST is identified as Central European Summer Time, and UTC as the universal reference. Placement of this information is debated between header, signature, and footnote.
6. The exchanges show bilingual dynamics. Spanish expressions function as approvals, transitions, or emphasis, while the final outputs are in English. Formatting rules tied to WhatsApp are emphasized: bold text is marked with single asterisks, and code blocks are used to share complete reports. These stylistic details adapt communication to platform-specific norms.
7. The manuscript’s author receives recommendations, while the reviewing role is explicitly acknowledged in the preparation of signed reports. The AI model describes itself as GPT-5 and provides structured documents. The interaction involves personalization, iterative drafting, and dual attribution between human input and AI assistance.
8. Drafting evolves through multiple versions. Reports are first narrative, then adapted to WhatsApp-compatible code, and later expanded with clarifications. Iterations move details like time notation between header, signature, and footnote. Explanations of terms such as UTC are added. The progression illustrates how refinement is achieved through repetition.

APPLICATIONS AND CONTROVERSIES

9. Applying the principle of replacing employed by with used by yields improved readability and alignment with scientific style. The controversy lies in the formal tone of employed, which is technically correct but stylistically dated. The recommendation is to adopt used consistently, reserving employed for literal employment contexts.
10. The question of the involves a similar balance. Initial advice suggested always adding the article, but reflection reveals exceptions for figures and tables. The best practice is to omit the in references like “Figure 3” or “Table 6,” while using it elsewhere for clarity. This balance reflects both precision and adherence to convention.
11. Formatting requirements add another layer of application. Reports must be shareable on WhatsApp, requiring copy-code blocks and specific bolding conventions. Placement of time information becomes a matter of presentation choice. Eventually, inclusion in a footnote is judged most elegant. These adjustments show the importance of tailoring feedback to context.
12. Discipline appears as an explicit concept defined as order and constancy in action. The review process models discipline by systematically checking every occurrence of employed, verifying every instance of the, and carefully recording times. This orderly and consistent approach illustrates how discipline produces clarity.
13. The idea of discipline extends into Dutch language learning. Dutch has two definite articles (de and het), echoing the English issue of article precision. The Dutch verb gebruiken means “to use,” while in dienst zijn bij means “to be employed by.” The parallel shows how discipline in word choice applies across languages.
14. Dutch time expressions also benefit from disciplined practice. The timestamp 19:06 can be expressed as Het is negen minuten over zeven ’s avonds. Practicing such details regularly develops both accuracy and constancy. Simple greetings like Goedemiddag or Bedankt serve as early steps in disciplined study.
15. Iterative revision of reports mirrors the process of language learning. Correcting errors with articles or verb forms is a natural and ongoing part of progress. Discipline means welcoming these corrections and maintaining constancy instead of abandoning practice.
16. The overall conclusion is that linguistic precision involves more than grammar. It includes verb choice, article use, formatting, time notation, bilingual transitions, and platform adaptation. Controversies and refinements underline discipline as the overarching principle linking clarity, order, and constancy in both manuscript preparation and language learning.