Example of avoiding camouflauge verbs
How is your text defining “camouflage verbs”?
Good: I hope you complete your lesson.
Bad: The completion of your lesson is the basis for my hope.
Good: to be successful, one must first communicate
Bad: Communication is a key to success.
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Camouflaged verbs, also known as nominalizations or zombie nouns, are abstract nouns or noun phrases derived from verbs. They make writing sound more formal and bureaucratic, but they can also lead to confusion and a lack of clarity. Here is an example of how to avoid using camouflaged verbs:
Original sentence with camouflaged verb: "The investigation is currently in progress."
Revised sentence with an active verb: "They are currently investigating the case."
Explanation:
1. Identify the camouflaged verb: In this example, the camouflaged verb is "progress." It is a noun form derived from the verb "to progress."
2. Recognize the passive voice: Passive voice often accompanies camouflaged verbs. In the original sentence, "is" is the helping verb that indicates passive voice.
3. Find the active verb: In the revised sentence, the active verb is "investigating." It clearly identifies the action being performed.
4. Restructure the sentence: To avoid using the camouflaged verb, rephrase the sentence using an active construction. In this case, "They are currently investigating the case" provides a clearer and more direct description of the ongoing action.
By actively identifying camouflaged verbs and replacing them with their corresponding active verbs, you can make your writing more concise and easier to understand.