Overview
Nominalisation converts verbs and adjectives into abstract nouns. Examples: decide → decision, analyse → analysis, grow → growth, significant → significance. It creates a more formal, impersonal, and concise style typical of academic and professional writing.
Verb → Noun
- -tion/-siondecide → decision · investigate → investigation
- -mentdevelop → development · assess → assessment
- -ance/-enceperform → performance · differ → difference
- -alrefuse → refusal · approve → approval
Adjective → Noun + Why Nominalise
- -itycomplex → complexity · equal → equality
- -nessaware → awareness · effective → effectiveness
- EffectAdds objectivity: We investigated → An investigation was conducted
- DensityCompresses ideas: the rapid development of technology
Academic Register
- Formal: The committee decided → The committee's decision
- Impersonal: We analysed → An analysis was conducted
- ❌ implemention → ✅ implementation (learn exact nominal forms)
When to use
Academic essays
The investigation of climate data revealed significant variation.
Business reports
The implementation of the new system improved efficiency.
Legal writing
The assessment of damages requires careful consideration.
Research papers
The development of antibiotic resistance poses serious challenges.