Beware of overusing abstract nouns

Partly because of a perceived need to sound ‘academic’, many students are fond of using posh-sounding abstract nouns that tend to confuse what it is they are trying to say. In fact, the obscure nature of such words is precisely what makes them so appealing. Writing accurately can be hard work — and when you’re pushed for time or don’t know what it is you want to say it’s very tempting to plump for a vague or abstract word that you hope will convey some sort of satisfactory meaning.