Nominalisation in formal English

Turn actions and qualities into noun phrases to create denser, more impersonal formal writing.

When do we use it?

Choose natural noun forms and control the supporting verb and preposition.

Form

Nominalisation changes verbs or adjectives into nouns, often with of, in or to complements.

• They decided to expand. → Their decision to expand.
• Prices declined. → A decline in prices.

Key contrast

At C1, grammar choices shape emphasis, stance, information flow and register as well as basic correctness.

Common mistakes

• the decide to expand → the decision to expand
• a decline of prices → a decline in prices

Remember

Turn actions and qualities into noun phrases to create denser, more impersonal formal writing.

Quick check

• Identify the focus, stance or relationship between clauses.
• Check inversion, complementation and reference carefully.
• Prefer the option that is both grammatical and appropriate for the register.