Nominalization is the process of converting other word forms (verbs, adjectives) into nouns. It is a key feature of formal and academic writing in English. "We decided to expand." → "The decision to expand was made." Recognising and using nominalization makes writing sound more professional.
Common suffixes that convert verbs to nouns: -tion/-sion (decide → decision, expand → expansion, discuss → discussion), -ment (develop → development, achieve → achievement, agree → agreement), -al (propose → proposal, refuse → refusal, arrive → arrival), -ance/-ence (assist → assistance, refer → reference, perform → performance).
Practice
The government's ___ to reduce taxes was welcomed.
The company's rapidinto Asian markets surprised competitors.
Put the words in the correct order (use noun form):
Common suffixes: -ness (happy → happiness, aware → awareness, dark → darkness), -ity (possible → possibility, equal → equality, complex → complexity), -ance/-ence (important → importance, patient → patience), -cy (frequent → frequency, accurate → accuracy), -th (long → length, warm → warmth, strong → strength).
Practice
The ___ of the problem was underestimated.
Theof the new law was debated for months.
Put the words in the correct order:
Academic and business writing heavily favour nominalization because it creates objectivity and density. "We implemented the policy" → "Implementation of the policy was achieved." However, overuse makes writing wordy. Good writers balance nominalizations with strong active verbs for clarity and impact. Recognising which contexts call for formal style is the key skill.
Practice
Which sentence uses nominalization correctly for a formal report?
Theof new staff will begin next month.
Put the words in the correct order (formal style):