Nominalization may sound like a fancy word, but what it describes is quite basic. It means to form a noun from a different part of speech. And it also means inducing weakness when used in writing because it usually makes sentences longer and more confusing. Still, the practice dominates many types of writing in the professional world, including engineering circles.
To strengthen writing which uses nominalization, writers should choose verbs when possible. Nouns are convey a static nature since they represent persons, places, and things. Verbs, on the other hand, convey a dynamic nature since they represent action. Favoring verbs over nouns also tends to shorten sentences and otherwise tighten prose, making writing stronger.
Take the example in the cropped image shown above. Applicability (used in the part indicated with the red underline) is a great example of nominalization. Applicability is a noun made from the verb to apply. Using nominalization in writing often requires the use of prepositional phrases, and this example is no exception. Nominalization is not difficult to spot, but like we have and will see in other weekly tips, the writer has multiple options to improve the writing.
Option #1: Eliminate the prepositional phrase by changing applicability
Instead of using the wordy construction shown, the writer can provide some conciseness by eliminating the prepositional phrase. This requires changing the word modified by the prepositional phrase, in this case, applicability. The easiest way to do this is to change the word into a related form.
To strengthen writing which uses nominalization, writers should choose verbs when possible. Nouns are convey a static nature since they represent persons, places, and things. Verbs, on the other hand, convey a dynamic nature since they represent action. Favoring verbs over nouns also tends to shorten sentences and otherwise tighten prose, making writing stronger.
Take the example in the cropped image shown above. Applicability (used in the part indicated with the red underline) is a great example of nominalization. Applicability is a noun made from the verb to apply. Using nominalization in writing often requires the use of prepositional phrases, and this example is no exception. Nominalization is not difficult to spot, but like we have and will see in other weekly tips, the writer has multiple options to improve the writing.
Option #1: Eliminate the prepositional phrase by changing applicability
Instead of using the wordy construction shown, the writer can provide some conciseness by eliminating the prepositional phrase. This requires changing the word modified by the prepositional phrase, in this case, applicability. The easiest way to do this is to change the word into a related form.
Applying traditional methods to document engineering projects was never seriously questioned . . . .
This one change makes a very noticeable improvement. But there are other options the writer can consider.
Option #2: Eliminate the prepositional phrase by deleting applicability
Instead of replacing applicability the writer can simply delete it along with the preposition of. For example,
Option #2: Eliminate the prepositional phrase by deleting applicability
Instead of replacing applicability the writer can simply delete it along with the preposition of. For example,
Using traditional methods to document engineering projects was never seriously questioned . . . .
Again, this change improves the sentence, although the meaning communicated is slightly altered.
My recommendation: Eliminate the passive voice as well as the nominalization
In the vast majority of writing for engineering and scientific audiences, the passive voice reigns supreme. Its widespread use stems from the belief that taking the actors out of the action communicates more objectivity. It also makes the writing more wordy and decreases reader comprehension, both of which open the door for practices like nominalization.
Thus, better writing will communicate the same meaning with fewer words. That means eliminating both the passive voice (use of to be verbs) and the nominalization. To eliminate the passive voice, make the actor(s) the subject of the sentence. In the case of our example, the actors are management. Thus we have
My recommendation: Eliminate the passive voice as well as the nominalization
In the vast majority of writing for engineering and scientific audiences, the passive voice reigns supreme. Its widespread use stems from the belief that taking the actors out of the action communicates more objectivity. It also makes the writing more wordy and decreases reader comprehension, both of which open the door for practices like nominalization.
Thus, better writing will communicate the same meaning with fewer words. That means eliminating both the passive voice (use of to be verbs) and the nominalization. To eliminate the passive voice, make the actor(s) the subject of the sentence. In the case of our example, the actors are management. Thus we have
Management never seriously questioned . . .
Next, eliminate the nominalization by replacing most of the phrase underlined in red with a select adjective:
. . . their methods to document . . .
Finally, put the pieces together.
Management never seriously questioned their methods to document engineering projects until after the merger.
Eliminating and avoiding wordy practices like nominalization make writing stronger and more interesting to read. Few engineers actually do this in their writing, so mastering this concept can make your writing really stand out!
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