Nominalizations are nouns formed from verbs, adjectives, or other parts of speech. These noun forms represent actions, concepts, or states instead of something concrete.
For example:
Verb: analyze → Nominalization: analysis
Verb: decide → Nominalization: decision
Adjective: happy → Nominalization: happiness
Verb: fail → Nominalization: failure
Nominalizations can make your writing more abstract or formal because they focus on concepts rather than actions. Compare these sentences:
In the second sentence, “decision” is a nominalization of the verb “decide.” Nominalizations make words and sentences longer, more formal, and less direct. Too many of them can make your text complex and confusing—especially for lower-level readers.
You can identify many common nominalizations in your text by clicking on HIGHLIGHT NOMINALIZATIONS. Words highlighted in pink are possible nominalizations. See if you can turn the nominalization back to a verb if it’ll strengthen the sentence.
Not all highlights mean you need to turn the nominalized word back to a verb. A nominalized word may read more coherently in a sentence. Other times nominalized words are standard nouns used to describe a state or condition. In both cases, leave as is.
Here are real examples from the Robert Gunning Editor:
BEFORE:
The new program is a response to increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and stress among teenagers.
AFTER:
The new program responds to increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and stress among teenagers.
TIP: The word “depression” is a standard noun, not nominalized in this context, so it’s left as is.
BEFORE:
Principal Rodriguez emphasized that the program is still in its early stages, and the school will continue to evaluate its effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.
AFTER:
Principal Rodriguez stressed the program is in its early stages, and the school will continue to gauge its effectiveness and adjust as needed.
BEFORE:
The pacing of the novel is carefully controlled, with each revelation building upon the last.
AFTER:
The author carefully controls the novel’s pacing, revealing more mysteries and darker secrets.
TIP: I noticed the app highlighted “revelation” and it made me think about reworking the sentence entirely. The sentence is now in active voice and more specific.
BEFORE:
As Emily digs deeper, she encounters resistance from the townspeople, many of whom are determined to keep the past buried.
AFTER:
As Emily digs deeper, many townspeople resist her—they are determined to keep the past buried.
TIP: Personally, I like how the first sentence reads with the nominalized word because it is from a fiction story, not a public-facing document. I decided not to change it.
BEFORE:
The increase in hydrogen ions reduces the availability of carbonate ions, which are necessary for the formation of calcium carbonate.
AFTER:
The increase in hydrogen ions reduces the availability of carbonate ions and forms calcium carbonate.
BEFORE:
Addressing the issue of ocean acidification requires both global and local solutions.
AFTER:
Both global and local communities must address and solve the issue of ocean acidification.
TIP: “Local solutions” is a standard noun, and you can leave the sentence as is; however, it’s vague, so I reworked it using the verb form.
BEFORE:
Emma Greene, in her first major role, delivers a convincing and heartfelt performance as Lily.
AFTER:
Emma Greene, in her first major role, performs with passion and conviction as Lily.
BEFORE:
To drive foot traffic to our retail locations, we will offer in-store promotions such as discounts on eco-friendly products.
AFTER:
To drive foot traffic to our retail locations, we will promote in-store discounts on eco-friendly products.
TIP: “locations” is a standard noun, part of “retail locations” so it’s left as is. I deleted “in-store” because “retail locations” already refers to it as a physical store.
BEFORE:
The survey will only take about 5 minutes to complete, and your responses will be completely anonymous.
AFTER:
The survey takes 5 minutes to complete. Responding Your response is anonymous.
TIP: The nominalized word “responses” sounds better, and is left as is. I edited the sentence so it’s more direct.
BEFORE:
To become a volunteer, people can visit the Riverton Animal Shelter’s website or stop by in person to fill out an application.
AFTER:
To volunteer, visit the Riverton Animal Shelter’s website or apply in person.
TIP: “application” is a standard noun in this context and can be left as is; however, I reworked the sentence because it was too wordy and ended up using the verb form of “application.”