Language for Introducing Questions, Problems, and Limitations

(1) A major criticism of Smith’s work is that ….. (2) The key problem with this explanation is that …. (3) However, there is an inconsistency with this argument. (4) One criticism of much of the literature on X is that …. (5) One question that needs to be asked; however, is that ….

(Can you add some other language of the same function into the list?)

Language for introducing a study’s weakness (1) However, Smith fails fully define what … (2) However, John fails to acknowledge the significance of … (3) However, the author overlooks the fact that X contributes to Y … (4) However, what Smith fails to do is to draw a distinction between … (5) Another weakness of the study is that no explanation of how … is provided.
(Can you add some other language of the same function into the list?)

Language for offering constructive suggestions (1) Smith’s paper would have been more successful if he had included … (2) Her conclusion might have been more convincing if the author had addressed … (3) The study / the findings would have been far more persuasive if the researcher had adopted …
(Can you add some other language of the same function into the list?)

Using adjectives to comment on research (1) In his comprehensive analysis of X, John (2012) found … (2) In this thorough examination of Y, Jones et al. (2012) were able to … (3) In this limited investigation into X, Jones et al. (2012) concluded that …
(Can you add some other language of the same function into the list?)

Language for highlighting inadequacies of previous research (1) Previous studies of X have not dealt with … (2) Researchers have not treated X in much detail. (3) Most studies in the field of X have only focused on … (4) However, these studies have used