Representing actions with nouns
|
Reasons for representing actions with nouns | page 1 of 9 |
Introduction
Nominalisation
has
four main functions in English - (some of these overlap):
 |
It enables writers to write more concisely, partly through packaging the
various components of the clause into a single noun, and partly through the flexibility
offered by the noun group . |
|
It enables writers to express their ideas in an appropriately technical
manner, particularly for scientific and bureaucratic domains. (This often has the effect
of creating a very formal tone.) |
|
It enables writers to manipulate the various elements of a text, eg
foregrounding certain aspects of a situation, and omitting other aspects. In some cases,
the use of a nominalised form allows the speaker to present an initial proposition as an established fact.
This is a useful device for a writer to use, as foregrounding an idea in this way can have
the subtle effect of persuading the reader to accept the initial proposition as truth
instead of questioning it closely. |
|
It helps writers to structure their ideas coherently, with a special type
of nominalisation called a summarising noun typically preceded by this  . Summarising nouns often refer back to what has been said, and
are related to reporting verbs. They can be neutral, eg announcement, comment,
or they can be evaluative, ie used to evaluate what is referred to negatively, eg lie,
boast. Less commonly, they can be used to evaluate what is referred to positively, eg praise,
endorsement. Summarising nouns can also refer back to previously mentioned actions and
events, eg development, disaster, solution. |
This file gives details of each of the above reasons. You may either read through this file page by page, or jump to a specific page by clicking on one of the choices below.
Introduction
Expressing ideas concisely
