Nominalisation

• CEFR C1
• Grammar
• Printable
• Answer key

Nominalisation is a printable grammar worksheet for English language learners at CEFR level C1. It covers turning clauses and verbs into noun phrases for academic style, with 5 exercises and an answer key.

Nominalisation turns actions, qualities, or whole clauses into noun phrases.

It is common in academic and formal writing because it helps compress information and connect ideas.

Overuse can make writing heavy, so nominalised phrases should remain clear and purposeful.

Examples

• The decline in sales surprised analysts.
• The expansion of the programme requires additional funding.
• The effectiveness of the policy remains uncertain.
• The introduction of new rules caused confusion.
• The failure to consult residents damaged trust.
• A lack of transparency weakened the process.
• The removal of the old system took six months.
• Greater investment in training improved staff retention.

What's in this worksheet

1. Complete the sentence
2. Correct the mistake
3. Transform the sentence
4. Mixed practice
5. Controlled production

Common mistakes

• The decline of sales surprised analysts.  →  The decline in sales surprised analysts. Use in after decline when referring to a measurable change.
• The policy effective remains uncertain.  →  The effectiveness of the policy remains uncertain. Use the noun form effectiveness in a nominal phrase.
• The introduce of new rules caused confusion.  →  The introduction of new rules caused confusion. Use the correct noun form introduction.
• The failure consulting residents damaged trust.  →  The failure to consult residents damaged trust. Use failure to + verb.