Successful Business Communication Farhan uddin Raja, Corporate Trainer

fdraja@gmail.com, 0322-8256603

Nominalization
A nominalization is the noun form of a word that also has a verb form. For example,
completion and reassignment are nouns corresponding to the verbs complete and reassign.
Overuse of nominalizations is widespread in technical writing, affecting both clarity and
conciseness.
Why nominalization should be avoided in a technical document?
Nominalizations should be avoided! They impact the readability, clarity, and effectiveness of
your proposal. They take the actions away from the actor, and they weaken the impact of your
intended message. Nominalizations make writing less effective and use more words than you
need.
What are three types of nominalization?
Derivational morphology and nominalization

Nominalization type Derived nominals Formation

Nominalized verb reaction react (V) + -ion

refusal refuse (V) + -al

adjustment adjust (V) + -ment

Gerundive nominalization writing write (V) + -ing

Verbs Nouns Verbs Nouns

Intend Assume

Intervene Collect

Distort Investigate

Evolve Expand

Interfere Disagree

Discriminate Discuss

Decide Argue

Fail hope

Rewrite the following sentences.

Successful Business Communication Farhan uddin Raja, Corporate Trainer
fdraja@gmail.com, 0322-8256603

1. The budget cuts for the Writing Center were the topic of our debate.
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2. The intention of the jury is to reach a decision.
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3. There is a need for reinforcement of this law.
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4. We did a study of the progression of prostate cancer.
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5. The delay of the flight was caused by the storm.
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6. There was scorching of vegetation by the 2007 fires in Morgan Hill.
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7. Our presentation was about a new regulation.
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8. Our expected was quich data collection.
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9. The coroner did an examination of the body.
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10. A demand must exist for clean energy
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11. The detective conducted an investigation of the crime.
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12. The hope of the student is to earn good grades
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13. Our discussion concerned what she requested.
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14. Government destabilization is often the result of fiscal crisis.
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