Nominalizations

Section 6.2.2

Nominalizations

Where possible, use verb forms instead of noun forms. Excessive or unnecessarynominalization (turning verbs into nouns) can make your writing wordy because it requires a noun and a verbinstead of just the verb form.

Weak

A winglet may cause the introduction of a discontinuityin the lift distribution curve.

Improved

A winglet may introduce a discontinuity in the liftdistribution curve.

--Heather Reed (modified)

Weak

Regeneration of the resin bed is achieved by a calcium chloride solution. [Note that the main action of the sentence is locatedin the nominal subject.]

Improved

The resin bed is regenerated with a calcium chloridesolution. [The main action of the sentence is now in the verb.]

## Nominalizations ##

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