Which type of expressions should be avoided in academic writing in favor of precise language?

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In academic writing, precision and formality are essential. Colloquial expressions come from everyday speech and don’t translate well into formal prose, making statements feel casual or vague. They can carry meanings that aren’t universally clear, depend on regional usage, or distract readers from the argument with familiar but imprecise phrasing. By choosing precise terms and standard, objective vocabulary, you keep the focus on the ideas and evidence rather than on conversational tone. While other issues like clichés or slang are also undesirable in formal work, colloquial expressions most directly undermine the level of formality and exactness that scholarly writing requires. Abbreviations, when defined and used consistently, can actually enhance clarity, so they’re not inherently something to avoid.