[発見！化学論文] 第2回：差がつく同義語の使い分け(research/investigateなど) Use of synonyms to stand out: research/investigate and others
2026年7月6日
(English version is here.)
今回は、論文内での単語の言い換えを解説する講座です。
(1. Research into, Study of, Investigation of) the design and construction of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (2. is thriving, thrives) due to (3. their) promising applications in fields such as catalysis, gas storage and optical devices. These frameworks (4. boast, display, show, exhibit) intriguing properties like magnetism, photoluminescence, and nonlinear optical activity. The construction of MOFs (5. relies on, depends on) carefully selecting ligands and metal centres, with additional factors (6. such as, including) counter ions, solvent systems and metal-to-ligand ratios influencing structure formation. Recent (7. advancements, advances) include creating novel one- (1D), two- (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) frameworks using metal salts and N,N'-donor ligands, as well as developing organic-inorganic hybrids like PbI2-based networks. Another (8. significant, notable) trend is employing metal clusters as secondary building units (SBUs) and using multidentate organic ligands to achieve unprecedented porosity. (9. While, although) most frameworks are built with homometallic clusters, exploring heterometallic clusters, like those in a germanium/zinc 3D framework, offers opportunities for greater structural diversity and stability.
以上の文章中にあるカッコには選択肢がいくつかあります。全部正しいです。括弧内の個々の単語または表現は、それ自体では若干異なる意味を持ちますが、段落の中では同じ意味を伝えます。詳しくみてみましょう。
1. 「Research」は研究に、「study」は勉強に、「investigation」は調査によく用いられますが、上記の文章ではいずれも適切で同じ意味を伝えます。研究、勉強、調査は強い関連性があります。
2. 「Is thriving」は現在進行形なので今盛んという意味ですが、「thrives」は現在形なのでずっと盛んという意味です。強調点は若干異なりますが、この場合はどちらでも使えます。
3. 「their」を省略してもその意味は示唆されます。代わりに「the」も利用できます。
4. 「boast」、「display」、「show」、「exhibit」はここでは同じ意味を伝えますが、「boast」は自慢の意味があり、「display」と「exhibit」は若干正式な感覚を与え、「show」は幅広く使えます。ここではどれも適切です。
5. 「relies on」と「depends on」は頼るという意味を持ちますが、「depends on」は依存するという意味もあります。
6. 「such as」は例えば、「including」は含めてという意味がありますが、ここではどちらも適切です。
7. 「advancements」と「advances」は進行という同じ意味を持ちます。「Advance」は動詞であり、可算名詞でもあります。
8. 「significant」は重要、「notable」は注目すべきという意味があり、ここではどちらも使えます。
9. ここで、「although」と「while」はそれでもという意味で用いています。「while」は同時に、～しながらの意味でも使えます。
以上、論文で同じ意味を持つ多様な単語や表現を使用できれば、より自然な文章になるかもしれません。
次回もどうぞお楽しみに。
Use of synonyms to stand out: research/investigate and others
This time, we will analyse rephrased English in a text.
(1. Research into, Study of, Investigation of) the design and construction of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (2. is thriving, thrives) due to (3. their) promising applications in fields such as catalysis, gas storage and optical devices. These frameworks (4. boast, display, show, exhibit) intriguing properties like magnetism, photoluminescence, and nonlinear optical activity. The construction of MOFs (5. relies on, depends on) carefully selecting ligands and metal centres, with additional factors (6. such as, including) counter ions, solvent systems and metal-to-ligand ratios influencing structure formation. Recent (7. advancements, advances) include creating novel one- (1D), two- (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) frameworks using metal salts and N,N'-donor ligands, as well as developing organic-inorganic hybrids like PbI2-based networks. Another (8. significant, notable) trend is employing metal clusters as secondary building units (SBUs) and using multidentate organic ligands to achieve unprecedented porosity. (9. While, although) most frameworks are built with homometallic clusters, exploring heterometallic clusters, like those in a germanium/zinc 3D framework, offers opportunities for greater structural diversity and stability.
In the above passage, there are several choices enclosed in parentheses. All are correct. The individual words and expressions themselves have slightly different meanings, but within the paragraph they convey the same meaning. Let us look at them in detail.
1. Research is associated with experimentation, study with learning and investigation with collecting information, but in the above text each is appropriate and conveys the same meaning. Research, study and investigation are strongly related.
2. Is thriving is present progressive and suggests current prosperity, while thrive is simple present and suggests ongoing prosperity. Although the emphasis is slightly different, in this case either can be used.
3. Even if their is deleted, the meaning remains implied. Alternatively, the can be used.
4. In the above passage boast, display, show and exhibit convey the same meaning, however, boast has a meaning of pride, display and exhibit give a slightly formal impression, and show is broadly applicable. Here, any of these is appropriate.
5. Relies on and depends on have a meaning of an expected action or condition, but depends on also has a greater meaning of necessity.
6. Such as is an example and including is a part of the whole, but here either is appropriate.
7. Advancements and advances have a meaning of progress. Advance is a verb, as well as being a countable noun.
8. Significant means important, notable means worthy of attention, and both are applicable here.
9. Here, although and while are used to mean still. While also is used to mean occurring at the same time.
If a variety of words and expressions with the same meaning are used in a passage, the writing may sound more natural.
We look forward to seeing you next time.