Nominalizations: Beware of Zombie Nouns

You’ve probably come across some difficult-to-read writing. All the individual words make sense but are confusing when put together. Chances are you’ve come across writing that is packed with zombie nouns. 

What is a Zombie Noun?

Also known as hidden verbs or nominalizations, zombie nouns are verbs or adjectives that have been turned into nouns. 

For example, a document might say “The project is scheduled for completion this summer,” instead of “The project will be completed this summer.” See how the verb “complete” got turned into a noun? That’s a zombie, right there!

Some other examples are:

• Facilitate > facilitation
• Perceive > perception
• Manage > management
• Achieve > achievement
• Implement > implementation
• Approve > approval
• Applicable > applicability
• Decide > decision
• Tend > tendency

You can find many of these words in formal or academic writing. Many writers use them to make their writing sound smarter or more professional. But that’s the same kind of thinking that turns good writing into purple prose.

The Problem with Zombie Nouns

So why are they called zombie nouns? Well, they suck the life out of your writing by replacing easily understandable words with abstract ones. 

Using too many nominalizations makes your writing wordy, impersonal, and hard to read. They tend to create unnecessarily long words, complicated phrases, and roundabout sentences. Your intended audience will need more time to understand your writing as your meaning is no longer as clear as it should be.

For example, take a look at this sentence:

The executives made a recommendation for the facilitation of a new program that is meant for the advancement of the company’s services.

There are three zombie nouns in this sentence: “recommendation”, “facilitation”, and “advancement.” It sounds needlessly pompous and abstract. And because these words have become complicated, people might have different interpretations of the sentence. 

Here is a more straightforward version:

The executives recommended creating a new program that will improve the company’s services. 

By just using strong, active verbs, the sentence is now much clearer, brief, and direct. You understand what actions were taken as well as who took them.  

When to Use Nominalizations

Zombie nouns aren’t wrong by themselves but should be used sparingly. However, there are certain situations where they are acceptable or even preferred.

1. In formal writing

Take academic, and technical writing as examples. These are the types of writing that aim to be objective and impersonal. Use zombie nouns to add that sense of formality and detachment. 

E.g. “Developing the app is our key focus” becomes “The development of the app is a key focus.”

2. When referring to abstract concepts

There are also cases where being broad or vague adds to your writing. Just like how the word “writing” is used here to include all aspects of the craft. It’s a way to say “formal, informal, prose, poetry, long-form, short-form” and so on without using so many words.

3. To add variety

You can also use nominalizations to create variety in your work. Used sensibly, you can balance active and direct sentences with passive sentences. It creates rhythm, directs your reader’s attention, and adds a bit of deceptiveness to your writing.

4. To avoid repetition.

Nominalizations are handy if you want to avoid tedious repetition. Consider these sentences:

The mayor’s office has just announced this year’s outstanding citizens. People didn’t expect the announcement so early.

The mayor’s office has just announced this year’s outstanding citizens. People didn’t expect them to announce the outstanding citizens so early.

The first sentence is better constructed despite using the nominalization, “announcement”. It uses fewer words too. 

5. When referring to an occupation or common name.

Using zombie words that describe an occupation or common name makes more sense. These are words that are self-explanatory to the context of the sentence—i.e. a consultant is someone who consults, and so on.  

The custodian let us film in every part of the house except the attic.

We talked to the person in custody of the house and they let us film everywhere except the attic.

Like in #4, this is one of those instances where a zombie word actually keeps your sentence concise. 

Recognizing And Avoiding Nominalizations

Zombie nouns are hard to deal with because they fly under your radar. They’re legitimate, normal words. It is only when they pile up that you realize they’re overcomplicating your sentences. 

In general, look for words that end in -tion/-sion, -ment, -ance/-ence, -cy, -ian, and -ity. Some words that end in -ing can also be nominalizations. Pay attention to how they are used in the sentence.

Whenever you catch a zombie noun, try to rewrite the sentence using its original verb or adjective. And remember to make the doer of the action clear. The passive voice has its uses but usually muddies your writing. Your meaning should be your top priority, not form. 

Removing nominalizations is also an exercise of brevity. Keep your sentences short and direct. Use tools like the Hemingway Editor to identify passive sentences. And avoid complicated words when simple ones will do.

Are you guilty of using zombie nouns? Share your thoughts below!

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