Beware of nominalizations (AKA zombie nouns) - Helen Sword
1,114,244 Views
12,321 Questions Answered
Let’s Begin…
Few mistakes sour good writing like nominalizations, or, as Helen Sword likes to call them, zombie nouns. Zombie nouns transform simple and straightforward prose into verbose and often confusing writing. Keep your nouns away from elongating nominalizations!
“At their best, nominalizations help us express complex ideas. At their worst, they impede clear communication.” When should we use nominalizations, and why? When and why should we avoid them?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Animator Bran Dougherty-Johnson
- Sound Designer Hatfarm
- Educator Helen Sword
- Narrator Helen Sword