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Use verbs instead of abstract nouns
Intro text: Use verbs instead of abstract nouns to make your writing easier to read.
Some commonly used abstract nouns and their verb equivalents are listed below.
| Abstract noun | Verb |
|---|---|
| implementation | implement |
| investigation | investigate |
| agreement | agree |
| discussion | discuss |
| arrangement | arrange |
In these pairs of sentences, the B sentences use verbs instead of abstract nouns. As a result, they are easier to read.
Sentence 1a:
The implementation of the plan went ahead as scheduled.
Sentence 1b:
The plan was implemented as scheduled.
Sentence 2a:
China and America will hold discussions on trade when they meet next February.
Sentence 2b:
China and America will discuss trade when they meet next February.
Sentence 3a:
There was broad agreement amongst all parties to carry on meeting regularly.
Sentence 3b:
All parties agreed to carry on meeting regularly.
Activity: using concise language
Rewrite the following sentences using clear and concise language. Eliminate any unnecessary words, and change abstract nouns to verbs where possible. Click the “Compare” button to check your answer against our suggestion.
Rewrite the following sentences using clear, concise language. Eliminate any unnecessary words, and change nouns to verbs where possible.
Sentence 1:
Staff are hoping that management will make a decision in regard to the air conditioning soon.
Suggested answer 1:
Staff hope management will decide about the air conditioning soon.
Sentence 2:
The manager had a discussion with the technicians yesterday for the purpose of solving the computer problems.
Suggested answer 2:
The manager discussed solutions to the computer problems with the technicians yesterday.
Sentence 3:
At this point in time, the computer network is unstable and technical staff are carrying out an investigation.
Suggested answer 3:
The computer network is currently unstable and technical staff are investigating.
Sentence 4:
In spite of the fact that the new email system has been installed, staff are advised to give consideration to the possibility that some problems may occur.
Suggested answer 4:
Although the new email system has been installed, some problems may still occur.
Sentence 5:
We are hoping to bring this market research report to a conclusion in the shortest possible time.
Suggested answer 5:
We hope to conclude the market research report shortly.
Sentence 6:
It should be pointed out that all staff have worked hard to give assistance to management in this very busy time.
Suggested answer 6:
We acknowledge that staff have worked had to assist management.
Sentence 7:
At Thursday's meeting, management had a discussion with regards to staff punctuality and developed guidelines to provide a solution and solve this problem.
Suggested answer 7:
At Thursday's meeting, management discussed staff punctuality and developed guidelines to solve the problem.
Sentence 8:
In the final analysis, all offshore staff have the ability and the possibility to make a contribution regarding this matter.
Suggested answer 8:
All offshore staff can contribute to this matter.