Use Strong Verbs
Lesson 14 of 20 Thesis Editing Tips
From the Examiner’s Desk
“I frequently examine theses in which years of excellent research are obscured by weak writing.”
Many writing guides focus on grammar.
This lesson focuses on readability.
Its purpose is to help readers understand your ideas more quickly and with less effort.
As a PhD examiner and thesis editor, one of the most common writing problems I encounter is the overuse of abstract nouns instead of strong verbs.
Editors call this nominalisation.
The term may sound technical, but the idea is simple.
It happens when a strong verb is turned into a noun.
Although this often sounds more formal, it usually has the opposite effect.
The writing becomes longer, heavier and more difficult to read.
Good academic writing relies on strong verbs because they communicate actions clearly and directly.
What Is Nominalisation?
Nominalisation occurs when a verb is changed into a noun.
Many nominalisations end in:
• -ion
• -ment
• -ance
• -ence
• -ing
For example:
❌ implementation
✅ implement
❌ evaluation
✅ evaluate
❌ investigation
✅ investigate
❌ identification
✅ identify
❌ analysis
✅ analyse
Replacing the noun with the original verb often makes the sentence shorter, clearer and easier to understand.
Why Strong Verbs Improve Writing
Nominalisations usually require extra words.
Instead of describing an action directly, they force readers to work through unnecessary nouns and helper verbs.
As a result, sentences become:
• Longer.
• Less direct.
• Harder to read.
• Less engaging.
Strong verbs keep your writing active and your ideas clear.
Examples from Academic Writing
Example 1
❌ The implementation of the protocol resulted in the improvement of communication.
✅ Implementing the protocol improved communication.
The revised sentence contains fewer words and communicates the same idea more effectively.
Example 2
❌ The evaluation of the samples was performed.
✅ The researchers evaluated the samples.
The revised sentence is shorter and clearly identifies who performed the action.
Example 3
❌ The investigation of the patients led to the identification of several biomarkers.
✅ The researchers investigated the patients and identified several biomarkers.
Replacing two abstract nouns with two strong verbs makes the sentence much easier to read.
Example 4
❌ The application of the questionnaire facilitated the collection of data.
✅ The questionnaire helped collect the data.
The revised sentence is shorter, more direct and easier to understand.
Common Nominalisations
Instead of writing:
❌ application
✅ apply
❌ consideration
✅ consider
❌ demonstration
✅ demonstrate
❌ examination
✅ examine
❌ implementation
✅ implement
❌ investigation
✅ investigate
❌ evaluation
✅ evaluate
❌ identification
✅ identify
❌ classification
✅ classify
❌ description
✅ describe
💬 WhatsApp with Dr Anastasia Apostolides (reasonable hours)
Why Examiners Notice This
Examiners rarely notice a single nominalisation.
However, when sentence after sentence relies on abstract nouns instead of strong verbs, the writing becomes dense and difficult to read.
Readers should not have to translate nouns back into actions.
Strong verbs improve both clarity and flow, allowing your ideas to stand out.
Practical Editing Strategies
When proofreading your thesis:
• Look for words ending in -ion, -ment, -ance, -ence, and -ing.
• Ask yourself:
“Can I replace this noun with a verb?”
If the answer is yes, your sentence will usually become shorter and more direct.
Remember:
You are not simply reducing words.
You are making your ideas easier to understand.
Quick Editing Checklist
Before submitting your thesis, ask yourself:
✓ Have I used strong verbs wherever possible?
✓ Can any abstract nouns become verbs?
✓ Does each sentence describe actions clearly?
✓ Have I reduced unnecessary nominalisations?
✓ Is my writing direct and easy to follow?
Key Takeaway
Strong academic writing is built on strong verbs.
Whenever you replace an abstract noun with a precise verb, your writing becomes more concise, more engaging and easier to understand.
The goal is not to sound more academic.
The goal is to communicate your research as clearly as possible.
When readers can see the action immediately, they can focus on the quality of your research instead of the complexity of your writing.
Need Professional Thesis Editing?
If you would like an experienced PhD examiner to review your thesis before submission, I’d be happy to help.
Whether you need a complete thesis edit, advice on improving clarity or feedback on a proposal, feel free to get in touch.
Dr Anastasia Apostolides
PhD Examiner • Thesis Editor • Proposal & Academic Consultant
Helping Master’s, MBA, DBA and PhD students write with clarity and confidence.
💬 WhatsApp with Dr Anastasia Apostolides (reasonable hours)
📧 Email: info@uedit.org
📍 uedit.org
Continue Learning
This article is part of the 20 Thesis Editing Tips series.
Continue to the next lesson or explore the complete collection of free thesis resources to strengthen every stage of your academic writing.