Avoid Nominalization
Prefer strong verbs over abstract noun forms.
What & why
Strong verbs make a sentence concrete by naming an action and, usually, the person taking it, which the mind processes faster than an abstract noun. Nominalizations hide the doer and the deed, so listeners burn extra effort reconstructing who did what. That added load reads as vague or evasive and can quietly lower trust. Direct verbs also carry momentum and rhythm, so the message feels more active and confident, and the audience retains it more easily.
Before & after
“We made an improvement to the system.”
“We improved the system.”
When you’ll use it
Simplifying corporate communications for broader understanding
Making technical reports more accessible to general audiences
Creating clearer instructions and procedures
Improving customer-facing communications and documentation
Pro tip
Turn -tion words back into verbs where possible.
Questions & answers
What is nominalization avoidance in business writing?
How does avoiding nominalization improve my presentations?
What are common nominalizations I should avoid in business communication?
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