EU Clear English Tips for Translators – Prefer a verb to an abstract noun

• Change > to
• carry out an evaluation of performance > evaluate performance
• conduct an investigation into fraud > investigate fraud
• perform an audit of operations > audit operations
• give consideration to consumers’ concerns > consider consumers’ concerns
• secure the involvement / participation of students > involve students
• upon the expiration of the time period > when the time period expires
• within 30 days following notification to farmers > within 30 days after farmers are notified
• make a/the recommendation that > recommend that
• contains a discussion of results > discusses results
• effect payment of EUR 10 000 > pay EUR 10 000
• bring about an improvement in quality > improve quality
• come to an agreement to the effect that > agree that
• Law 485/2010 on the amendment of Law 22/2006 > Law 485/2010 amending Law 22/2006
• after the setting up of the Institute > after the Institute was set up
• introduce a ban on smoking > ban smoking
• cause harm to consumers > harm consumers
• bring about an increase in funding > increase funding
• proceed to the counting of the votes > count the votes
• provide a response to the complaint > respond to the complaint
• The funding of projects takes place centrally. > Projects are funded centrally.
• Changes to the Law did not come about. > The Law was not changed.
• The project will be subject to an evaluation. > The project will be evaluated.
• The practice of crop rotation is regular. > Crops are regularly rotated.

This includes lists.

• The project will achieve the following results: > The project will:
  • creation of contacts … > create contacts …
  • preparation of recommendations … > prepare recommendations …
• Officers are responsible for tasks including: > Officers:
  • supervision of work … > supervise work …
  • monitoring of progress … > monitor progress …

Particularly avoid chains of abstract nouns.

• This will create the possibility of modifications of the methods of implementation of the project. > This will make it possible to change how the project is implemented.
• The aim of the programme is the improvement of the effectiveness of the work of customs authorities for the purpose of the protection of EU interests. > The programme aims to help customs authorities protect EU interests.