Nominalization is the process of turning verbs, adjectives, or adverbs into nouns. This transformation often involves adding suffixes like “-tion,” “-ment,” “-ance,” “-ness,” or “-ity” to the base word. Â
What is nominalization?
- Nominalization is the process of turning verbs, adjectives, or adverbs into nouns. This transformation often involves adding suffixes like “-tion,” “-ment,” “-ance,” “-ness,” or “-ity” to the base word. Â
- Essentially, it’s taking an action, quality, or process and making it a thing or concept.
- It allows us to talk about actions and qualities as if they were objects or entities.
- In addition, nominalization can make writing more formal and abstract.
How it works
- Adjective to noun
- “Happy” (adjective) becomes “happiness” (noun).
- “Able” (adjective) becomes “ability” (noun).
- “Certain” (adjective) becomes “certainty” (noun).
- Adverb to noun
- while less common, some adverbs can be nominalized.
- Example: “arrival” can be used as a noun, but also as an adverbial modifier.
- Verb to noun
- “Decide” (verb) becomes “decision” (noun).
- “Inform” (verb) becomes “information” (noun).
- “Arrive” (verb) becomes “arrival” (noun).
How to use nominalization
- To condense information
- It can help to condense complex ideas into concise phrases. Grouping related actions or qualities under a single noun makes sentences more concise. In addition, it can shift the focus from the action itself to the result or concept of the action.
- Original: “They analyzed the data thoroughly and then made a decision.”
- Nominalized: “Their thorough analysis of the data led to a decision.”
- To create an abstract noun
- It allows us to discuss concepts and ideas in a more abstract way. This process transforms actions (verbs) or qualities (adjectives) into concepts (nouns), which are often abstract. Abstract nouns represent ideas, feelings, qualities, or concepts that cannot be physically touched or observed. Using nominalization also allows us to discuss those actions or qualities as things in themselves, rather than just as things that are done or possessed.
- Example: “The implementation of the plan was successful.”
- To create a noun phrase
- Nominalization allows you to create longer noun phrases that can act as subjects, objects, or complements in sentences.
- Example: “They discussed the plan.” → “Their discussion of the plan was productive.”
- To make writing more formal
- Nominalization is often used in academic and formal writing to create a more objective and detached tone.
- Example: Instead of “They analyzed the data,” you can write, “The analysis of the data was performed.”
- To shift focus
- It can change the focus of a sentence, emphasizing the action or quality itself rather than the actor.
- Example: “The company’s growth exceeded expectations.” (Focus on growth) vs. “The company grew.” (Focus on the company).
Cautions
- Overuse of nominalization can make writing dense and difficult to read.
- It can create a passive and impersonal tone.
- It can obscure the actors or agents of actions.
Therefore, use nominalization strategically to enhance your writing, but avoid excessive use that could hinder clarity.
