A noun cluster is a group of words, mostly nouns, that together name one thing. "Fuel pump outlet pressure sensor" is a noun cluster. Long noun clusters are hard to read, because the reader must find the main noun and the relation between the other words. STE recommends noun clusters of no more than three words.
Why long noun clusters cause problems
- The main noun is at the end. In English, the last noun is usually the main one. In a long cluster, the reader must read everything before knowing what the thing is.
- The relations are hidden. "Engine oil pressure warning light" can mean many things. Is it a warning light for the oil pressure, or a pressure light for the engine oil warning system?
- Translation is difficult. Many languages build these names differently. A translator must guess the structure.
How to make a noun cluster shorter
- Use prepositions. Put the main noun first and show the relations with "of", "for", "on", "in": "the sensor for the outlet pressure of the fuel pump".
- Split the information. Give the location or the function in a separate sentence.
- Use a verb. Many clusters hide an action in a noun: "pump pressure test procedure". Write "Do a test of the pump pressure" or "Measure the pump pressure".
When a long technical name is necessary
- Sometimes a long name is the official name of a part, for example in the parts catalogue or on the equipment label. You can keep it.
- Use exactly the same name each time.
- If possible, explain it once at the start of the document: "The engine oil pressure warning light (the warning light) is on the center panel." Then use the short name.