Why C1 Learners Struggle with Nominalization
Nominalization—converting verbs, adjectives, or other parts of speech into nouns—is essential for sophisticated, academic writing. However, even advanced learners frequently mismanage nominalization by choosing incorrect derived forms, mixing gerunds with infinitives inappropriately, or misplacing nominalized structures in sentences. These errors typically stem from interference from learners' L1, unfamiliarity with specific noun-forming suffixes, or uncertainty about when to use gerunds versus abstract nouns. Understanding the most common pitfalls will sharpen your command of formal and academic registers.
Common Nominalization Mistakes
Below are the most frequent errors advanced learners make with nominalization, alongside corrections and explanations.
Common Nominalization Mistakes at a Glance
| Mistake Type | ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct | Why It Happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong suffix | the decidement | the decision | Learners apply a productive suffix (-ment, -ness) to a verb that takes an irregular nominalization form. |
| Using verb instead of noun | The improve of the system | The improvement of the system | The base verb form is mistakenly placed in a noun slot without adding a nominalizing suffix. |
| Gerund vs. abstract noun confusion | The solving of the problem took hours. | The solution of the problem took hours. | Learners default to the -ing gerund when a lexical nominalization is the more natural or required form. |
| Nominalizing an adjective incorrectly | the happyness of the moment | the happiness of the moment | Spelling changes required before adding -ness (e.g., y → i) are overlooked. |
| Redundant nominalization | make a recommendation of | recommend | Over-formalizing creates a wordy "light verb + nominalization" structure where a simple verb is clearer. |
| Wrong article with nominalization | an information about the event | information about the event | Some nominalizations are uncountable mass nouns and cannot take an indefinite article or plural form. |
| False nominalization (non-existent form) | the obtainment of data | obtaining data / the acquisition of data | Learners coin a nominalization using a common suffix for a verb that has no accepted nominalized form. |
| Omitting preposition after nominalization | an increase prices | an increase in prices | The verb "increase" takes a direct object, but its nominalization requires a prepositional phrase complement. |
| Overuse of nominalization (register) | The utilization of tools enables the facilitation of work. | Using tools helps facilitate work. | Nominalizations are associated with formal writing, leading learners to overuse them and create dense, unnatural prose. |
Formula
Formula
Article/Determiner
+
Derived Noun
+
Prepositional Phrase
+
Verb Phrase
The implementation of strategies requires careful planning.
Examples
The examination of qualitative data necessitated a revision of our theoretical framework.
Academic writing · Formal nominalization with -tion suffix
Her persistent criticism of the methodology raised important questions about validity.
Formal register · Nominalization with -ism suffix expressing judgment
The deterioration of air quality prompted governmental intervention and subsequent implementation of stricter emissions standards.
Academic prose · Consecutive nominalizations for coherence
His inability to articulate complex ideas hindered his effectiveness as a lecturer.
Formal writing · Nominalization conveying abstract concept
When to use it
Academic Writing
Nominalizations create dense, formal prose essential in research papers and theses. They allow you to discuss processes, states, and actions as objects of analysis.
"The administration of the experiment and subsequent analysis of results revealed unexpected correlations."
Professional Reports
Business and technical writing rely on nominalization to convey complex actions concisely and formally. Derived nouns add authority and precision.
"The implementation of cost-reduction measures resulted in improved operational efficiency."
Formal Speech & Presentations
Advanced speakers use nominalizations to sound more authoritative and to create rhetorical distance from actions, lending objectivity to arguments.
"The establishment of new protocols and coordination between departments will ensure compliance."
Signal words
implementation
analysis
consideration
development
examination
criticism
improvement
refusal
decision
ability
inability
deterioration
administration
Common Mistakes
✕
Wrong
The improve of the infrastructure requires significant investment.
✓
Correct
The improvement of the infrastructure requires significant investment.
Use the derived noun 'improvement' (-ment suffix), not 'improve'. Nominalization requires the correct form.
✕
Wrong
His refusing to accept responsibility damaged his credibility.
✓
Correct
His refusal to accept responsibility damaged his credibility.
Use the abstract noun 'refusal' (-al suffix) in formal contexts. Gerunds are less appropriate here for formal academic register.
✕
Wrong
The analyze of the data showed significant trends.
✓
Correct
The analysis of the data showed significant trends.
'Analysis' is the correct nominalization of 'analyse/analyze'. 'Analyze' cannot function as a noun directly.
✕
Wrong
Proceeding with the project required careful planning and to consider risks.
✓
Correct
Proceeding with the project required careful planning and consideration of risks.
Maintain parallel structure: use 'consideration' (noun) instead of 'to consider' (infinitive) to match 'planning'.
✕
Wrong
The company's decide to expand into new markets was strategic.
✓
Correct
The company's decision to expand into new markets was strategic.
'Decision' (noun) is the correct nominalization, not 'decide'. Possessive structures require noun forms.
✕
Wrong
Her ability in solving complex problems earned respect.
✓
Correct
Her ability to solve complex problems earned respect.
The structure 'ability to + infinitive' is standard. 'Ability in + gerund' is non-standard in formal English.
✕
Wrong
The successful implementing of new policies depended on team collaboration.
✓
Correct
The successful implementation of new policies depended on team collaboration.
Use 'implementation' (-tion suffix) for formal contexts. Gerunds with adjectives are less appropriate in academic writing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What to Remember
- Use correct noun-forming suffixes (-tion, -ment, -ness, -ity) rather than inventing forms based on your L1.
- Distinguish between gerunds (verb+ing as nouns) and infinitives; use gerunds after prepositions and specific verbs like "avoid."
- Ensure nominalized structures maintain clear relationships between the action and its subject to avoid ambiguity.
- Place nominalized noun phrases at the sentence beginning for academic style, but avoid creating dangling or misplaced modifiers.
- Choose nominalizations purposefully in formal writing; overusing them creates dense, unclear prose despite seeming sophisticated.