Created by writers, for writers.
Tip: Keep verbs as verbs, not as nouns.
Words like “eradication,” “utilization,” “usage,” and “transference” sound very fancy. These words are nouns that come from the verbs “eradicate,” “utilize,” “use,” and “transfer,” respectively. The process of changing a verb into a noun is called “nominalization.” Most words ending in “-tion” “-ment,” and “-ence/-ance” are nominalizations.
Nominalizations create weak, cumbersome, and pretentious writing. For clear, engaging, and effective writing, revise your sentences to change nominalizations back into verbs. In many cases, you may be able to remove the word altogether.
Examples:
Our enactment of the plan for the eradication of the disease was a failure. (We failed to eradicate the disease.)
There is resentment towards this policy. (Some people resent this policy.)
The commencement of the ceremony will be at noon. (The ceremony will commence at noon.)
Convert nominalizations back into their verb forms and revise the sentence accordingly. Then consider whether the revised sentence says the same thing as the original but in a simpler, more direct manner. In most cases, the revised sentences will be far superior to those laden by nominalizations.
This is tip #16 from our series Writing Tips for a Year. More information: http://preciseedit.com and http://hostileediting.com.
David Bowman is the owner and chief editor of Precise Edit, a comprehensive editorial service provider for authors, businesses, and students. Precise Edit also offers a variety of other services, such as translation, transcription, and website development.
Did you like this? Don’t miss out! There’s plenty more from David.
Writing Tip: Avoid starting sentences with “it.”
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