Nominalization: Turning Verbs and Adjectives into Nouns
Nominalization is the process of turning a verb, adjective, or other part of speech into a noun. This can be done by:
* Adding a suffix:
* -ation: *activate* -> *activation*
* -ment: *improve* -> *improvement*
* -ness: *happy* -> *happiness*
* -ing: *walk* -> *walking* (can be used as a noun, especially in gerund phrases)
* Using a noun phrase:
* *The *fact* that the meeting was cancelled* (instead of saying "that the meeting was cancelled")
* *The *idea* of going to the beach* (instead of saying "to go to the beach")
Why Nominalize?
While nominalization can make your writing sound more formal and academic, it can also be problematic. Here are some reasons for and against nominalization:
Advantages:
* Conciseness: It allows you to express a complex idea in a shorter space.
* Abstraction: It can create a more abstract and theoretical tone.
* Formal style: It is commonly used in academic and scientific writing.
Disadvantages:
* Clarity: Can make your writing more difficult to understand, especially for non-native speakers.
* Redundancy: Can lead to repetitive and cumbersome sentences.
* Passive voice: Often accompanies nominalization, leading to passive sentences.
Example:
* Original: "The students were very happy with the results."
* Nominalized: "The students' *happiness* with the results was evident."
The nominalized version is more abstract and concise, but the original sentence is clearer and more direct.
Tips for Using Nominalization:
* Use it sparingly: Only nominalize when it truly improves clarity and conciseness.
* Be mindful of readability: Don't overuse it, especially when writing for a general audience.
* Consider the alternatives: Often, a simple verb or adjective is more effective.
Overall: Nominalization is a powerful tool, but it's important to use it strategically. By understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks, you can make informed decisions about when and how to employ this grammatical device.