don't worry, some people are better is rememmbering global ideas (like main idea of the paper), some in details, like author's name. And the more you will read, the longer you will work in your field, the more easy it will be to rememmber details...

Of course we have to strive to the best standards but:
1) some of us as foreigners, so be understanding;)
2) Internet generally is an environment where one is not expected to observe the rules of language so carefully;
3) writing here is not the same as writing a PhD, publication etc. It is usually done quickly between other more serious activities:)

very rare language, spoken only by around 2 million people- Latvian:))

My favorite is my mother tongue, I plan to improve it after I finish my PhD. Because currently all my life is in English and thus my native language is getting worse and worse.

A long story:)) I had BA and two master degrees, as well as 12 years work experience (I have been working since I was 15) when I applied for a PhD. But I did not got money. So, I had a gap year and just when I had decided that I dont want PhD anymore, I got scholarship:)) Could not stand that temptation:)

today is a better day- I started to do some analysis, hope it will go well after 2 weeks of literally doing nothing and even more weeks of thinking about quitting PhD:))) Hope your "ups"as coming as well:)

Oh, yes, I am in my second year and are more feeling down than working...I heard it is normal:)

on my 2nd year already and no much progress, all time thinking about giving up...we should organise a self-support group:))

havent done any work on PhD today, completely demotivated.....:(

First year of my PhD I was working, not full time but around 75% plus it meant rravelling to another country. I gave it up because it was impossible to concentrate on PhD. And I think it is bettern to get PhD as soon as possible and than return to work because with PhD you can earn more than without it:))) (In some cases)

How old are people when they start their PhD’s anyway?

****I started my PhD in age of 31 but I do regret that I did not do it earlier. because if you want post docs and other fellowships for young researchers early in career , there are age limitations;)) If you want a PhD and know where you will use it- gp for it as early as possible.In addition if you take time out and work, it is very hards to return to quite modest life of a PhD:)

There are many messages on the forum about how stressful, life-consuming and tearful a PhD is, is this true for everyone?

***Ha-ha-ha, in general, people do not write in forums if they feel happy, only when they got troubles, so postings in the forum are heavily biased data to make a conclusion about PhD from:))



It’s just all confusing and I feel I should be applying for projects now as there are deadlines, so I feel a bit pressured to decide!
Finally, with a PhD do people generally get a certain amount of holiday time per year or not?

***yes, they do. One month a year, I guess (have never taken)

definitely talk about this with your supervisor. Grieving takes times and as sooner you will make it a priority, the sooner you will be ready to go back to your work. Dont hope that you can only focus on work and postpone grieving...doesnt work...

it is possible to postpone deadline is such cases, your supervisor will know it better how.

(I am talking from my own experience- lost last year a very, very close memmber of family but was back to my phD in the next week after funeral. The result- serious depression and lots of physical problems. do not suggest to do that).

definitely give time for yourself, despite it is not direct loss, for you it is a loss, as one could see from your message. Be nice towards yourself.

BTW, I am in the second year and can say to you that in my year those who were too-self-confident did not pass the first year:))

Ann is right, not taking care about yourself (not enought sleep, good or excercise) will make you feel more miserable and what even worse- depressed. Take care about yourself (I know it is easier to say than do- I am bad in that as well).

That is very , very normal to feel like that...almost every PhD is going through ups when you feel like the most talent PhD on the Earth and through downs when you think that you are addmitted just by mistake and soon everybody will discovered that you cheated. The problem is that dows are more frequent that ups:)) Keep your head up- PhD is about hard work not talent, really:)))