Nominativisation

Nominativisation is a linguistic process where a clause or a phrase that would typically be expressed as a verb phrase or a sentence is transformed into a noun phrase. This transformation often involves converting verbs or adjectives into nouns, usually by adding a suffix. For instance, the verb "decide" can be nominativised into the noun "decision." Similarly, the adjective "important" can become the noun "importance."

This process is common in many languages, including English, and is particularly prevalent in formal writing, academic texts, and news reporting. It allows for more concise expression and can shift the focus of a sentence. For example, instead of saying "The committee decided the proposal," one might write "The committee's decision on the proposal." The latter emphasizes the "decision" itself rather than the act of deciding.

Nominativisation can sometimes lead to nominalisation, a broader term that refers to the creation of nouns from other word classes. However, nominativisation specifically refers to the creation of a noun that functions as the subject or object of a sentence, often replacing a verb or an entire clause. While it can enhance clarity and conciseness, overuse of nominativisation can also make writing sound abstract and impersonal, potentially obscuring the agent of an action. Understanding this process is key to analyzing sentence structure and appreciating stylistic choices in language.