Nominalizations

by Jocelyn Sykora

What is a nominalization?

When you convert a verb or adjective to a noun, you are creating a nominalization. The word "nominalization" is itself a nominalization, coming from the verb "nominalize." Many nominalizations are formed by adding "-ness," "-tion," or "-sion" to a verb.

Examples

Verbs	Nominalizations		Adjectives	Nominalizations
investigate	investigation		precise	precision
construct	construction		hesitant	hesitancy
utilize	utilization		reasonable	reasonableness
manipulate	manipulation		ignorant	ignorance

So what's wrong with nominalizations?

Nominalizations are useful in some cases, but problems arise when nominalizations and weak verbs begin to form patterns. These patterns result in clunky and unclear sentences.

Patterns to avoid

1. Subject + empty verb + nominalization
   1. Marlow is a creation of Conrad.
   2. The banner has been a reinforcement of the pledge.
   Recast:
   1. Conrad created Marlow.
   2. The banner reinforces the pledge.
2. There + is/are/were + nominalization
   1. There was opposition to Darwin's theory of natural selection.
   2. There is a need for the children to be constantly supervised by adults.
   Recast:
   1. Some people opposed Darwin's theory of natural selection.
   2. Adults must constantly supervise the children.
3. Nominalization + empty verb
   1. Reduction to the absurd is Socrates's specialty.
   2. Clarity was the emphasis of the editor.
   Recast:
   1. Socrates effectively reduces others' arguments to absurdity.
   2. The editor emphasized clarity.
4. Nominalization + empty verb + nominalization
   1. Woolf's analysis is an investigation into the roles of women historically.
   2. The ridicule was a retaliation for the attack.
   Recast:
   1. Woolf investigates the historical roles of women.
   2. He retaliated for the attack by ridiculing the leader.

General Revision Procedure

1. Turn a nominalization back into a verb.
2. Find a subject for the verb.
3. Revise the sentence.

Can you revise these sentences from student papers?

The construction of the blockade is an attempt at isolation.

The Way is the statement that all things have a purpose whether or not the discovery of that realization happens.

The evidence on which the reader or the citizen of the state is calling upon to determine correctness of a statement is itself an appearance.

In the beginning of violin instruction, a limit to the amount of bow a student can use is enforced.

The process of advancing scientific knowledge involves the identificatin of anomalies in existing theories.

The elimination of fear is the definition of the Way.

The need for power was the motivating factor of Kurtz.

Engel's liberation is the freeing of his character in a societal sense.

The manifestation of Kent's bravery shows in his preparation to sacrifice his life for the King.

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