Nouns: forming nouns from other words

We often form nouns from other parts of speech, most commonly from a verb or an adjective. We can then use the noun phrase instead of the verb or adjective to create a more formal style. We call this nominalisation:

excite → excitement

grow → growth

invade → invasion

fly → flight

industrial → industrialisation

wide → width

After 1900 there was a growth in trade with Europe. (less formal: After 1900 trade with Europe grew.)

The closure of the Meteorcorp factory caused 200 workers to lose their jobs. (less formal: Meteorcorp closed the factory and 200 workers lost their jobs.)

Nominalisation is common in writing, especially formal writing.

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to move something by pulling it along a surface, usually the ground

Treasure troves and endless supplies (Words and phrases meaning ‘source’)

September 11, 2024

September 09, 2024 has been added to list

© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024

© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024

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