Nominalisation

Reference

Common mistakes

1. The economy growed quickly. → The economy experienced rapid growth.
   nominalised version more formal
2. She is interest in art. → She has an interest in art.
   interest is noun here (interested is adjective)

Nominalisation — Exercises

Choose the noun form

Circle the correct answer.

1. We were surprised by her _____ to help. (refuse) (refusal / refusing / refuse)
2. The _____ of the new bridge took three years. (construct) (construction / constructing / constructive)
3. There has been a sharp _____ in prices. (increase) (increase / increasing / increased)
4. The _____ of the results is crucial. (accurate) (accuracy / accurateness / accurately)
5. Their _____ was late because of the snow. (arrive) (arrival / arriving / arrive)
6. She showed great _____ in a crisis. (calm) (calmness / calming / calmly)
7. The _____ of the park was a big improvement. (expand) (expansion / expanding / expand)
8. There is a strong _____ for outdoor sports here. (prefer) (preference / preferring / preferable)

Make it nominal

Write the noun.

1. Prices rose quickly. → The rapid   in prices surprised everyone.
2. The council decided to close the library. → The council's   to close the library caused anger.
3. The town developed fast. → The fast   of the town changed its character.
4. They didn't attend. → Their non-  was noticed.
5. It is important to sleep well. → The   of sleep cannot be overstated.
6. She was able to stay calm. → Her   to stay calm impressed us.

Nominalisation — Answer Key

Choose the noun form

1. refusal — refuse → refusal.
2. construction — construct → construction.
3. increase — increase is also a noun → increase.
4. accuracy — accurate → accuracy.
5. arrival — arrive → arrival.
6. calmness — calm → calmness.
7. expansion — expand → expansion.
8. preference — prefer → preference.

Make it nominal

1. rise
2. decision
3. development
4. attendance
5. importance
6. ability