TED-ED: Beware of nominalizations (AKA zombie nouns) - Helen Sword

The video discusses nominalizations, or 'zombie nouns,' which are nouns formed from other parts of speech. These nominalizations can make writing sound pompous and abstract by replacing active verbs and adjectives with abstract entities. The video provides examples of how nominalizations can obscure meaning and offers strategies to reanimate sentences by reducing their use. It highlights the impact of nominalizations in literature, using George Orwell's work as an example, and warns against their overuse, which can lead to jargon-filled writing that lacks clarity.

What is a nominalization?

• A noun formed from another part of speech

• A verb that describes an action

• An adjective that describes a noun

• A conjunction that connects clauses

Why are nominalizations referred to as 'zombie nouns'?

• They are easy to understand

• They consume active verbs and adjectives

• They are used in informal writing

• They bring sentences to life

How can sentences be reanimated from nominalizations?

• By using more adjectives

• By replacing them with active verbs and human subjects

• By using passive voice

• By adding more nominalizations

What effect do nominalizations have on writing, according to George Orwell's example?

• They simplify complex ideas

• They make writing more concise

• They lead to jargon and abstract language

• They enhance the clarity of writing

What is the main problem with using too many nominalizations in a paragraph?

• It makes the paragraph more engaging

• It can make the paragraph difficult to understand

• It makes the paragraph too short

• It makes the paragraph too informal