🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

What Is Nominalization in French?

Nominalization in French is the process of converting verbs into nouns by adding suffixes like -tion, -ment, -ance, or -eur. These noun forms allow speakers to refer to actions or concepts as objects, making sentences more abstract and formal — common in academic or professional French.

Short answer

Nominalization converts verbs to nouns in French via suffixes: parler → parole (speech), agir → action, manger → repas (meal). This allows verbs to function as nouns in sentences and creates formal, abstract language.

Nominalization transformation

1
Original verb
danser (to dance)
↓
2
Add suffix
+ -e
↓
3
Form noun
danse (dance)
↓
4
Use as noun
J'aime la danse (I love dance)

Step-by-step worked examples

Convert the verb 'parler' (to speak) to a noun using a common French suffix.

Verb: parler (to speak).
Common nominalization suffixes: -tion, -ment, -age.
For parler, use parole or parlant (speech, speaking).
Alternatively: parler → parlement (parliament, as in speaking assembly).

Nominalize 'manger' (to eat) and use it in a sentence.

Verb: manger (to eat).
Nominalized: repas (meal) — indirect from manger.
Or: mangeur (eater) using -eur suffix.
Sentence: Le repas était délicieux (The meal was delicious).

Form a noun from 'danser' (to dance) and create a simple sentence.

Verb: danser (to dance).
Nominalized: danse (dance) using -e suffix.
Sentence: J'aime la danse (I love dance).

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.Nominalize 'agir' (to act):

Correct answer: B. Agir → action (using -tion suffix) = 'action' or 'act'.

Q2.Which suffix is used for 'donner' → 'don' (gift)?

Correct answer: C. Donner (to give) → don (gift, using -on reduction).

Q3.Choose the nominalized noun: 'Elle admire son _.' (She admires his _.)

Correct answer: B. Coureur (runner) is the -eur agent noun from courir (to run).

Q4.Which is the correct nominalization of 'finir' (to finish)?

Correct answer: A. Fin (end) is the nominalized form of finir, or finition using -tion.

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Common mistakes

✗

Assuming all -tion nouns match English -tion. — Correct: French and English don't always align: 'action' is 'action', but 'création' ≠ 'creation' (accent).

✗

Confusing nominalized noun with past participle. — Correct: Dansé (past participle) ≠ danse (nominalized noun). Danse is the noun form.

✗

Thinking only one suffix works per verb. — Correct: Some verbs have multiple nominalizations: danser → danse, danseur, dansement (rare).

✗

Using infinitive as noun. — Correct: Though infinitives can function as nouns ('Danser est amusant'), true nominalizations use suffixes.

FAQ

What are the most common nominalization suffixes?

-tion (action), -ment (development), -ance/-ence (instance), -eur (runner), -age (voyage).

Can nominalization change verb meaning?

Yes — danser → danse (dance event), danseur (dancer person); meanings shift with form.

Is nominalization only in formal French?

No — both spoken and written French use nominalization, but it's more common in academic/professional contexts.

How do you know which suffix to use?

Common patterns exist (see suffixes above), but French dictionaries list nominalized forms. Listening/reading builds intuition.