What are buried verbs and zombie nouns? Give an original example. Why should writers avoid buried verbs?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Buried Verbs and Zombie Nouns:
Buried verbs and zombie nouns are two common issues in writing that can lead to wordy, unclear, or awkward sentences.
- Buried Verbs: This term refers to situations where verbs (action words) are hidden in noun phrases. Writers often replace a strong, direct verb with a form of a noun (usually a verb turned into a noun), making the sentence less dynamic and harder to read. Buried verbs often require additional words to convey the same meaning and weaken the action.
- Zombie Nouns: These are nouns that are formed from verbs, typically using a suffix (e.g., “decision” from “decide”). Zombie nouns are lifeless because they often transform an active verb into a passive or abstract concept, making the sentence less immediate and more cumbersome.
Example:
- Buried verb (incorrect):
“The committee made a decision to postpone the meeting.” Here, “made a decision” is a buried verb phrase. The action could be more direct. - Revised version (correct):
“The committee decided to postpone the meeting.” By using the verb “decided,” the sentence becomes more concise and active.
Why Writers Should Avoid Buried Verbs:
- Clarity and Directness: Buried verbs obscure the action and make the sentence less direct. Using strong, active verbs makes writing clearer and easier to understand. Direct verbs eliminate unnecessary words and focus on the action.
- Conciseness: Buried verbs often lead to wordy sentences. In technical, academic, or professional writing, conciseness is important for efficiency and impact. Replacing buried verbs with active verbs reduces the need for extra words, tightening the sentence.
- Engagement: Active verbs engage the reader more effectively, making writing feel livelier and more dynamic. Passive or abstract verb constructions (such as buried verbs) tend to slow down the flow of the sentence and can make the reader disengage.
In summary, buried verbs and zombie nouns make sentences unnecessarily complex and impersonal. By focusing on direct, active verbs, writers can improve clarity, brevity, and reader engagement.