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Nominalisation - Complete Guide

Nominalisation is the process of converting verbs and adjectives into nouns to create a more formal and objective tone in writing. It is used to express complex ideas concisely and shift focus from actions to concepts or results, although excessive use can make writing dull. The document provides examples, common forms, and guidelines on when to use or avoid nominalisation.

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Aviram Dash Avi
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597 views4 pages

Nominalisation - Complete Guide

Nominalisation is the process of converting verbs and adjectives into nouns to create a more formal and objective tone in writing. It is used to express complex ideas concisely and shift focus from actions to concepts or results, although excessive use can make writing dull. The document provides examples, common forms, and guidelines on when to use or avoid nominalisation.

Uploaded by

Aviram Dash Avi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Nominalisation: Complete Guide

1. What is Nominalisation?

Nominalisation is the process of converting verbs or adjectives into nouns.

●​ Verb → Noun: Decide → Decision


●​ Adjective → Noun: Strong → Strength

2. Why Use Nominalisation?

●​ To make writing more formal or academic


●​ To create an objective tone
●​ To express complex ideas concisely
●​ To shift the focus from action to concepts or results

3. Common Nominalisation Forms


Verb Noun

discuss discussion

decide decision

grow growth

fail failure

complete completion

Adjective Noun

strong strength

happy happiness

wise wisdom
angry anger

kind kindness

4. Examples in Sentences

Without Nominalisation (Informal):

●​ They completed the project successfully.

With Nominalisation (Formal):

●​ The completion of the project was successful.

5. Structure Change with Nominalisation

Informal / Active:

●​ She explained the issue clearly.

Formal / Nominalised:

●​ Her explanation of the issue was clear.

More Examples:

Active Sentence Nominalised Sentence

He failed the test. His failure in the test was disappointing.

We analysed the data. The analysis of the data was thorough.

They argued for hours. The argument lasted for hours.

The team performed well. The performance of the team was impressive.

She improved her skills. Her improvement in skills was noticeable.

6. When to Avoid Nominalisation

Too much nominalisation can make writing dull or hard to read. Use it mainly for:
●​ Academic writing
●​ Formal reports
●​ Research papers

Avoid it in:

●​ Casual speech
●​ Creative writing
●​ Instructional writing

7. Practice Section

A. Convert the words:

1.​ Inform → __________


2.​ Predict → __________
3.​ Strong → __________
4.​ Accurate → __________
5.​ Fail → __________

B. Rewrite using nominalisation:

1.​ They decided to build a new library.


2.​ She argued with her teacher.
3.​ The scientists analysed the results.
4.​ He grew rapidly during the summer.
5.​ We discussed the topic in class.

Here’s the answer key for the practice section on nominalisation:

Practice A: Convert the Words

1.​ Inform → Information


2.​ Predict → Prediction
3.​ Strong → Strength
4.​ Accurate → Accuracy
5.​ Fail → Failure
Practice B: Rewrite Using Nominalisation

1.​ They decided to build a new library.​


→ The decision to build a new library was made.​

2.​ She argued with her teacher.​


→ The argument with her teacher was intense.​

3.​ The scientists analysed the results.​


→ The analysis of the results was conducted by the scientists.​

4.​ He grew rapidly during the summer.​


→ His rapid growth during the summer was surprising.​

5.​ We discussed the topic in class.​


→ The discussion of the topic took place in class.​

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