What Is Nominalization? Mastering Noun Conversion in IELTS Writing

Nominalization, or the process of converting verbs and adjectives into nouns, is commonly used in academic writing, especially in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Applying nominalization techniques helps make your writing more formal, concise, and academically appropriate. In this article, IDP will guide you through the concept of nominalization and how to effectively use it to achieve a higher band score in IELTS.

Nominalization refers to the transformation of a verb or adjective into a noun or noun phrase without changing the meaning of the sentence. When using nominalization, it is recommended to avoid personal pronouns like I, we, or they.

Example:

• Regular sentence: We go to the supermarket every day.

• Nominalized sentence: Going to the supermarket is our daily habit.

Here are common nominalized forms frequently seen in IELTS Writing:

In academic writing, especially IELTS essays, maintaining a formal and objective tone is essential. Nominalization not only enhances the professionalism of your writing but also helps in the following ways:

• Reduces word repetition and improves your Lexical Resource score, one of the IELTS Writing assessment criteria.

• Increases formality and objectivity in your writing style.

• Allows easy expansion of information within a noun phrase. For example: "charts" can become "the two colored charts" or "the two colored bar charts".

3.1 Convert the Main Verb into a Noun

To convert a verb into a noun, you need to know the different word forms. This may involve adding a prefix or suffix, or changing the beginning or end of the word.

Example:

• Original sentence: Should artists be supported financially?

• Nominalized: Financial support for artists

Common suffixes:

3.2 Use the Verb in the -ing Form as a Noun

Adding -ing is a simple way to nominalize a verb.

Example:

• Original: Environmental problems are too big to solve

• Nominalized: The solving of environmental problems

3.3 Add a Supporting Noun or Connect Clauses Using Relative Pronouns

Example:

• Original: These days, many couples have children at later stages of life

• Nominalized: These days, there is the trend that many couples have children later in life

Exercise 1: Rewrite the following sentences using nominalization

1. Traffic accidents are dangerous.

2. People are using mobile phones more.

3. Children are getting less exercise.

4. Companies are slowly advertising more.

5. New products are not being introduced.

Exercise 2: Find the appropriate noun forms for the following verbs

Answer Key

Exercise 1:

1. The danger of traffic accidents

2. A rise in mobile phone usage

3. A decrease in children's physical activity

4. A gradual increase in advertising

5. A halt to the introduction of new products

Exercise 2:

Apply Nominalization with Confidence in IELTS Writing

Now that you understand the concept of nominalization, its rules, and how to apply it in different contexts, be sure to practice regularly. Applying this grammar technique will improve your writing style and help you meet the formal tone required for academic writing in IELTS.

To familiarize yourself with the exam format and improve time management, consider taking an IELTS mock test with IDP. You can also explore the IELTS scoring criteria or learn more about the IELTS re-marking process if needed.

When you are ready, register for the official IELTS test with IDP today!