Writer and scholar Helen Sword coined the term Zombie nouns to denote nouns with more than two syllables and that typically end in -tion, -ment or -ity. They also typically go with the preposition “of”. They cause readers to take a coffee break, fall asleep or stop reading.
So, how can we wake the readers up? By changing the Zombie nouns into active verbs.
Sometimes we can use a phrasal verb or an infinitive or gerund of the root word.
Imagine a list of tasks full of these Zombies. What would you use instead of these?
I was responsible for:
- The implementation of a project
- The development of creative ideas
- The management of the finances of the project
- The establishment of a working group of experts
- The organization of weekly meetings
- The eradication of a disease
- People who have a long-standing collaboration
- Requesting your availability to attend the conference.
- Discussion held on digitalization of the minutes
These Zombies can sound stilted in many English contexts, so they are best avoided.
Answer key
- Carrying out a project (avoid “implementing”)
- Developing/Designing/ Thinking up creative ideas
- Managing the finances of the project
- Setting up/forming a working group of experts (avoid “establishing”)
- Setting up/holding weekly meetings (avoid “organizing”)
- Eradicating a disease
- People who have long collaborated
- Are you available to attend the conference?
- Discussing whether to digitalize the minutes