Nominalizations (Deverbal and Deadjectival Nouns)

What are Nominalizations?

Nominalization is a process in word formation where a verb or an adjective is transformed into a noun. This process is very common in academic and formal writing, as it allows for the condensation of information and the creation of more abstract and concise sentences. Understanding nominalizations is crucial for comprehending complex texts and for producing sophisticated written English.

1. Deverbal Nominalizations (from Verbs)

Deverbal nominalizations are nouns formed from verbs. They often refer to the action itself, the result of the action, or the agent/object of the action.

a. Common Suffixes for Deverbal Nominalizations:

• -tion / -sion / -ation / -ition: These are among the most common suffixes.
  • decide (verb) → decision** (noun)
  • inform (verb) → information** (noun)
  • organize (verb) → organization** (noun)
  • compete (verb) → competition** (noun)
  • explain (verb) → explanation** (noun)
• -ment:
  • develop (verb) → development** (noun)
  • agree (verb) → agreement** (noun)
  • achieve (verb) → achievement** (noun)
• -al:
  • arrive (verb) → arrival** (noun)
  • refuse (verb) → refusal** (noun)
  • propose (verb) → proposal** (noun)
• -ance / -ence:
  • perform (verb) → performance** (noun)
  • exist (verb) → existence** (noun)
  • resist (verb) → resistance** (noun)
• -ing (gerunds often function as nouns):
  • read (verb) → reading** (noun)
  • swim (verb) → swimming** (noun)
  • build (verb) → building** (noun - referring to the structure or the act)

b. Zero Derivation (Conversion) from Verbs:

As discussed in a previous topic, some verbs can become nouns without any change in form.
* to run (verb) → a **run (noun)
* to walk (verb) → a **walk (noun)
* to impact (verb) → an **impact (noun)

2. Deadjectival Nominalizations (from Adjectives)

Deadjectival nominalizations are nouns formed from adjectives. They typically refer to the quality, state, or characteristic described by the adjective.

a. Common Suffixes for Deadjectival Nominalizations:

• -ness: This is a very common suffix for forming nouns from adjectives.
  • happy (adjective) → happiness** (noun)
  • kind (adjective) → kindness** (noun)
  • dark (adjective) → darkness** (noun)
  • sad (adjective) → sadness** (noun)
• -ity / -ty:
  • active (adjective) → activity** (noun)
  • real (adjective) → reality** (noun)
  • certain (adjective) → certainty** (noun)
  • generous (adjective) → generosity** (noun)
• -th: Often involves a vowel change in the root.
  • long (adjective) → length** (noun)
  • wide (adjective) → width** (noun)
  • strong (adjective) → strength** (noun)
• -dom:
  • free (adjective) → freedom** (noun)
  • wise (adjective) → wisdom** (noun)

b. Zero Derivation (Conversion) from Adjectives:

Some adjectives can function as nouns, often referring to a group of people or an abstract concept.
* the poor (adjective) → the **poor (noun: poor people)
* the rich (adjective) → the **rich (noun: rich people)
* the good (adjective) → the **good (noun: good things/people)

3. Why Use Nominalizations?

Nominalizations are frequently used in formal, academic, and scientific writing for several reasons:
* Conciseness: They allow writers to express complex ideas in fewer words.
* Instead of: "The committee decided something, and that decision was important."
* Use: "The committee's decision was important."
* Objectivity/Impersonality: They can remove the agent of an action, making the writing sound more objective.
* Instead of: "Researchers observed the phenomenon."
* Use: "Observation of the phenomenon was made."
* Focus on Concepts: They shift the focus from actions or qualities to abstract concepts.
* Instead of: "When people are happy, they often are productive."
* Use: "Happiness often leads to productivity."

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

While useful, overuse or incorrect use of nominalizations can lead to dense, unclear, or overly formal writing.

Summary

| Type | Origin | Common Suffixes | Examples |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Deverbal | From Verbs | -tion, -sion, -ment, -al, -ance, -ence, -ing | decision, development, arrival, performance, reading |
| Deadjectival | From Adjectives | -ness, -ity, -ty, -th, -dom | happiness, activity, length, freedom |
| Purpose | Conciseness, objectivity, focus on concepts | Formal/academic writing |

💡 The key takeaway: Nominalizations are powerful tools for creating concise and formal language, especially in academic and professional contexts. However, use them judiciously to avoid making your writing overly dense or unclear. Knowing when to nominalize and when to use the original verb or adjective is a mark of advanced English proficiency.