Nominalisation Practice Test — Intermediate

All 45 questions with answers

Pick an answer for each question to see if you are right, with the explanation. Submit when you are done; you can submit before answering them all.

1. Q1The scientists analysed the samples thoroughly. Which noun phrase correctly summarizes this?

   AThe analysis for the samples BThe analysing of the samples CThe analysis of the samples DThe analyst of the samples

   Answer: C. The analysis of the samples

   Nominalisation turns the verb 'analysed' into the noun 'analysis.' In English, when a noun is formed from a transitive verb, we typically use the preposition 'of' to connect it to its object. 'The analysis of the samples' is the standard form. 'The analysing of' is less formal, and 'analyst' refers to a person, not the action.

2. Q2The government decided to cut funding. Choose the formal nominalised version.

   AThe government's decide to cut BThe government's decision of cutting CThe government's deciding to cut DThe government's decision to cut

   Answer: D. The government's decision to cut

   The verb 'decide' is followed by a to-infinitive. When converted to the noun 'decision,' it retains this pattern. Therefore, 'decision to cut' is the correct formal structure. 'Decision of cutting' is not a standard English collocation.

3. Q3Prices have risen sharply. Rewrite this using a noun phrase.

   AThe sharp rising of prices BThe sharply rise of prices CThe sharp rise in prices DThe sharp rise of prices

   Answer: C. The sharp rise in prices

   When nominalising a change in value, the verb 'rise' becomes the noun 'rise,' and we use the preposition 'in' to indicate what has changed. Additionally, the adverb 'sharply' must change into the adjective 'sharp' to modify the noun. 'Rise in prices' is the standard collocation for numerical trends.

4. Q4She failed to submit the report on time. Select the correct noun phrase.

   AHer failure for submitting the report BHer failing to submit the report CHer failure of submitting the report DHer failure to submit the report

   Answer: D. Her failure to submit the report

   The verb 'fail' takes a to-infinitive ('fail to submit'). This grammatical pattern is preserved when the verb is nominalised into 'failure.' Thus, 'failure to submit' is correct. Using 'for' or 'of' with a gerund after 'failure' is a common learner error.

5. Q5The committee approved the proposal immediately. Which is the correct nominalisation?

   AThe committee's approval for the proposal BThe committee's approval to the proposal CThe committee's approval of the proposal DThe committee's approving of the proposal

   Answer: C. The committee's approval of the proposal

   nominalisation turns the verb 'approved' into the noun 'approval.' In formal English, 'approval' is almost always followed by the preposition 'of' when referring to the thing being approved. 'Approval for' is occasionally used to mean 'permission for,' but 'approval of the proposal' is the standard way to describe this action.

6. Q6They discussed the issue for three hours. Rewrite as a noun phrase.

   ATheir three-hour discussion to the issue BTheir three-hour discussing of the issue CTheir three-hour discussion of the issue DTheir three-hour discussion for the issue

   Answer: C. Their three-hour discussion of the issue

   While the verb 'discuss' is transitive and takes no preposition ('discussed the issue'), the noun 'discussion' requires the preposition 'of' to connect to the topic. 'Discussion of the issue' is the standard formal collocation. Prepositions like 'to' or 'for' do not work here.

7. Q7The results confirmed the hypothesis. Which is the correct nominalisation?

   AThe confirmation of the hypothesis by the results BThe confirmation by the hypothesis of the results CThe confirming of the hypothesis by the results DThe confirmation of the hypothesis to the results

   Answer: A. The confirmation of the hypothesis by the results

   This structure turns the verb 'confirmed' into the noun 'confirmation.' We use 'of' to introduce the object (the hypothesis) and 'by' to introduce the agent or cause (the results). 'The confirming of' is a gerund phrase, which is generally less formal than the noun 'confirmation' in academic writing.

8. Q8He refused to cooperate with the police. Rewrite this using a noun phrase.

   AHis refusal to cooperate BHis refusing to cooperate CHis refusal for cooperating DHis refusal about cooperation

   Answer: A. His refusal to cooperate

   The noun 'refusal' follows the same pattern as its verb form 'refuse,' which is followed by a to-infinitive. 'Refusal to cooperate' is the correct and most natural structure. 'Refusal for cooperating' and 'refusal about cooperation' are non-standard.

9. Q9The policy was introduced in 2021. Select the correct noun phrase.

   AThe introduction for the policy in 2021 BThe introducing of the policy in 2021 CThe introduction of the policy in 2021 DThe introduction to the policy in 2021

   Answer: C. The introduction of the policy in 2021

   The noun 'introduction' takes the preposition 'of' when referring to the thing being brought into use. 'Introduction to' is used when describing a guide or an initial explanation (e.g., 'An introduction to Biology'), which does not fit the context of a policy being launched.

10. Q10They agreed on the terms. Rewrite using a noun phrase.

    AThe agreement in the terms BThe agreement on the terms CThe agreement for the terms DThe agreeing of the terms

    Answer: B. The agreement on the terms

    The verb phrase 'agree on' maintains its preposition when the verb is nominalised. Therefore, 'agreement on the terms' is the correct noun phrase. 'Agreement in' and 'agreement for' do not carry the same meaning and are incorrect in this context.

11. Q11The team achieved great success. Rewrite this using a noun phrase.

    AThe team's achievement for success BThe team's achievement in success CThe team's achievement of success DThe team's achieving of success

    Answer: C. The team's achievement of success

    The noun 'achievement' is followed by 'of' to show the goal or result that was reached. 'Achievement in' usually refers to a specific field (e.g., achievement in science). To express the act of succeeding, 'achievement of success' is the correct formal structure.

12. Q12The company rejected the offer. Choose the correct noun phrase.

    AThe company's rejection for the offer BThe company's rejection to the offer CThe company's rejection of the offer DThe company's rejecting of the offer

    Answer: C. The company's rejection of the offer

    The verb 'rejected' is nominalised into the noun 'rejection.' This noun is followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the item or idea that was turned down. 'Rejection for' and 'rejection to' are not standard English collocations.

13. Q13She responded quickly to the email. Rewrite using a noun phrase.

    AHer quick responding to the email BHer quick response of the email CHer quick response to the email DHer quickly response to the email

    Answer: C. Her quick response to the email

    To nominalise this, the adverb 'quickly' must become the adjective 'quick,' and the verb 'responded' becomes the noun 'response.' The preposition 'to' is used with both the verb and the noun forms (respond to / response to).

14. Q14The manager explained the situation clearly. Rewrite using a noun phrase.

    AThe manager's explanation of the situation BThe manager's explanation to the situation CThe manager's explanation into the situation DThe manager's explaining of the situation

    Answer: A. The manager's explanation of the situation

    The noun 'explanation' uses the preposition 'of' to describe the subject matter being clarified. 'Explanation to' is used for the person receiving the explanation (e.g., 'an explanation to the board').

15. Q15The students participated in the event. Rewrite using a noun phrase.

    AThe students' participation to the event BThe students' participation of the event CThe students' participation in the event DThe students' participating in the event

    Answer: C. The students' participation in the event

    The verb 'participated' always requires the preposition 'in.' This pattern remains the same when the verb is converted into the noun 'participation.' 'Participation to' or 'participation of' are grammatically incorrect.

16. Q16In a formal business email: 'After we talked, we agreed on the budget.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    AAfter we discussed, we agreed on the budget. BFollowing our discussion, we reached agreement on the budget. CFollowing our discussion, the budget was agreed. DFollowing our discussion, agreement was about the budget.

    Answer: B. Following our discussion, we reached agreement on the budget.

    In professional English, using the phrase 'reached agreement on' is more formal than the simple verb 'agreed.' This is a 'light verb' construction (verb + noun) that shifts the focus to the outcome. 'Following' is also more formal than 'After' in this context.

17. Q17In an academic report: 'The project failed because they did not plan well.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    AProject failure resulted because they did not plan. BProject failure was because of bad planning. CThe project failed because of inadequate planning. DProject failure resulted from inadequate planning.

    Answer: D. Project failure resulted from inadequate planning.

    This revision uses nominalisation ('failure' and 'planning') and replaces the informal 'because of' with the academic phrase 'resulted from.' Additionally, 'inadequate' is a more precise and formal adjective than 'bad' or 'not well.'

18. Q18In a formal investigation report: 'They investigated the incident thoroughly.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    AThe investigation of the incident was done. BAn investigation into the incident was conducted. CAn investigation to the incident was completed. DThey conducted an investigation of the incident.

    Answer: B. An investigation into the incident was conducted.

    In formal reports, we use the noun 'investigation' with the preposition 'into.' Combining this with the passive voice ('was conducted') makes the tone objective and professional. The verb 'conducted' is the standard choice for formal processes.

19. Q19In a formal speech: 'She spoke briefly about the new plans.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    AHer speaking on the new plans was brief. BHer remarks for the new plans were brief. CHer remarks to the new plans were brief. DHer remarks on the new plans were brief.

    Answer: D. Her remarks on the new plans were brief.

    The formal noun 'remarks' is often used instead of the verb 'spoke.' The correct prepositional collocation is 'remarks on' when referring to a topic. 'Her speaking' is less formal and sounds more like a gerund subject rather than a formal address.

20. Q20In a formal letter: 'We are writing to tell you that the meeting is cancelled.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    AWe are writing to inform you of the cancellation of the meeting. BWe are writing to inform you of the meeting's cancellation. CWe are writing to inform you about the cancellation of the meeting. DWe are writing to tell you of the meeting's cancellation.

    Answer: A. We are writing to inform you of the cancellation of the meeting.

    Formal writing prefers 'inform' over 'tell.' Nominalising the verb 'cancelled' into 'cancellation' and using the 'of... of...' structure creates a highly formal, objective tone typical of official correspondence. 'Inform you of the cancellation' is the most precise phrasing.

21. Q21In a corporate report: 'The staff complained because the hours were too long.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    AStaff complaints arose from the long hours. BStaff complaints resulted for excessive hours. CStaff complaints were because of the long hours. DStaff complaints arose from excessive working hours.

    Answer: D. Staff complaints arose from excessive working hours.

    This version uses the nominalised 'complaints' and replaces 'too long' with the formal adjective 'excessive.' The verb 'arose from' is a more sophisticated way to show cause and effect in a professional report.

22. Q22In a formal proposal: 'We need to think about the environmental impact.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    AWe need to give consideration to the environmental impact. BWe need to consider the environmental impact. CGive consideration to the environmental impact. DGive consideration for the environmental impact.

    Answer: A. We need to give consideration to the environmental impact.

    The verb 'consider' is nominalised into the formal phrase 'give consideration to.' Including 'We need to' maintains a polite tone, avoiding the direct command of 'Give consideration to'. While 'We need to consider' is also grammatical, 'give consideration to' demonstrates the target formal nominalised phrasing.

23. Q23In an official announcement: 'The government will decide on the tax soon.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    AA decision on the tax will be made soon. BA decision to the tax will be made soon. CA decision for the tax will be made soon. DA decision in the tax will be made soon.

    Answer: A. A decision on the tax will be made soon.

    Official announcements frequently use nominalisation ('decision' instead of 'decide') paired with the passive voice ('will be made'). This makes the announcement sound authoritative and objective. 'Decision on' is the correct preposition for the subject of a choice.

24. Q24In a business strategy document: 'They did not communicate the changes effectively.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    AThe communication for the changes was ineffective. BThe communication of the changes was ineffective. CThe changes were not communicated effectively. DThe communication of the changes was not effective.

    Answer: B. The communication of the changes was ineffective.

    Formal writing often converts verbs into nouns ('communication') and adverbs into adjectives ('ineffective'). This structure shifts the focus from the people (they) to the quality of the process, which is preferred in strategy documents.

25. Q25In a technical manual: 'If the machine vibrates, stop it immediately.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    ADuring vibration, stopped the machine immediately. BIf vibration occurs, stopping the machine immediately. CWith vibration, stop the machine immediately. DIn the event of vibration, stop the machine immediately.

    Answer: D. In the event of vibration, stop the machine immediately.

    The phrase 'In the event of' is a standard formal alternative to 'If' in technical and legal writing. It is followed by a noun ('vibration'). This construction provides clear, precise instructions for specific conditions.

26. Q26In a formal report: 'The board agreed to merge the companies.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    AThe board agreed on a merger of the companies. BThe board agreed to the merger of the companies. CThe board reached an agreement to merge the companies. DThe board reached an agreement for the merger of the companies.

    Answer: C. The board reached an agreement to merge the companies.

    The collocation 'reached an agreement' is a highly formal way to describe a group decision. It is followed by a to-infinitive ('to merge') to specify the action agreed upon. While other the other options are formal, this specific combination is the standard professional idiom.

27. Q27In a professional context: 'We must analyse the data before we proceed.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    AAn analysis of the data must be conducted prior to proceeding. BAn analysis of the data is needed before we proceed. CAn analysis of the data must be done before we proceed. DThe analysis of the data is required before proceeding.

    Answer: A. An analysis of the data must be conducted prior to proceeding.

    This version uses multiple formal markers: the nominalised 'analysis,' the professional verb 'conducted' (instead of 'done'), and the formal prepositional phrase 'prior to' instead of the simple 'before.' This creates a highly professional register.

28. Q28In a formal letter: 'I am sorry that I arrived late.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    APlease accept my apologies of my late arrival. BPlease accept my apologies to my late arrival. CPlease accept my apologies for arriving lately. DPlease accept my apologies for my late arrival.

    Answer: D. Please accept my apologies for my late arrival.

    Using the nouns 'apologies' and 'arrival' is much more formal than using verbs. The phrase 'Please accept my apologies for...' is the standard etiquette for professional correspondence. 'Arriving lately' is incorrect because 'lately' means 'recently,' not 'tardy.'

29. Q29In an official report: 'They managed the crisis well.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    AThe management of the crisis was handled effectively. BCrisis management was an effective. CThe management of the crisis was done well. DThe management of the crisis was effective.

    Answer: D. The management of the crisis was effective.

    Turning the verb 'managed' into the noun phrase 'The management of the crisis' makes the sentence more objective. Using the adjective 'effective' is more formal than the adverbial phrase 'well.' 'The management of the crisis was handled effectively' is redundant. 'Crisis management was an effective' is ungrammatical because 'effective' is missing a noun to modify.

30. Q30In a business document: 'We will develop the new system next month.' Which is the most appropriate formal revision?

    AWe will undertake the development of the new system next month. BThe development of the new system will take place next month. CThe development of the new system is aimed for next month. DThe development of the new system will happen next month.

    Answer: B. The development of the new system will take place next month.

    In business writing, 'take place' is the formal standard for describing scheduled events, making it the most appropriate choice. 'Will happen' uses an informal verb unsuitable for professional documents. 'Is aimed for' is a non-standard collocation — the correct forms would be 'aimed at' or 'targeted for.' 'We will undertake the development' retains the first-person subject 'We will,' which is less objective and impersonal than the alternatives.

31. Q31Which sentence demonstrates correct use of nominalisation in a business context?

    AThe committee's deciding to delay the project was unanimous. BThe committee's decision to delay the project was unanimous. CThe committee's decision for delaying the project was unanimous. DThe committee's decision of delaying the project was unanimous.

    Answer: B. The committee's decision to delay the project was unanimous.

    The noun 'decision' is followed by a to-infinitive (to delay) when describing what was decided. 'Decision of' or 'decision for' followed by a gerund are common grammatical errors.

32. Q32Choose the correct version: 'The investigation for the accident revealed a lack of safety measures.'

    AThe investigation for the accident revealed a lack of safety measures. BThe investigation about the accident revealed a lack of safety measures. CThe investigation to the accident revealed a lack of safety measures. DThe investigation into the accident revealed a lack of safety measures.

    Answer: D. The investigation into the accident revealed a lack of safety measures.

    The standard prepositional collocation for 'investigation' is 'into' when referring to a specific incident or crime. Prepositions like 'about,' 'for,' or 'to' are not used in formal English in this context.

33. Q33Which sentence is stylistically best for an academic paper?

    AThe implementing of the new policy improved efficiency. BThe implementation of the new policy improved efficiency. CThe implementation of the new policy was improving efficiency. DThe implementing for the new policy improved efficiency.

    Answer: B. The implementation of the new policy improved efficiency.

    In academic writing, 'implementation' is preferred over the gerund 'implementing.' The correct preposition to link a noun of action to its object is 'of.' This creates the most professional and concise structure.

34. Q34Choose the correct version: 'His refusal to cooperate with the inquiry led to his dismissal of his role.'

    AHis refusal to cooperate with the inquiry led to his dismissal in his role. BHis refusal to cooperate with the inquiry led to his dismissal from his role. CHis refusal to cooperate with the inquiry led to his dismissal for his role. DHis refusal to cooperate with the inquiry led to his dismissal of his role.

    Answer: B. His refusal to cooperate with the inquiry led to his dismissal from his role.

    The noun 'dismissal' (from the verb 'dismiss') is followed by the preposition 'from' when referring to the position or job that was lost. Other prepositions like 'in,' 'for,' or 'of' are incorrect here.

35. Q35Choose the correct sentence for a formal proposal.

    AWe recommend the immediate implementing of the plan. BWe recommend the immediate implementation for the plan. CWe recommend the immediate implementation to the plan. DWe recommend the immediate implementation of the plan.

    Answer: D. We recommend the immediate implementation of the plan.

    The noun 'implementation' is linked to the object it acts upon using the preposition 'of.' Using 'immediate' as an adjective to modify 'implementation' is a classic formal nominalisation technique.

36. Q36Identify the error: 'The discussion regarding the budget was held in a private meeting.'

    AThe discussion about the budget was held in a private meeting. BThe discussion regarding the budget was held in a private meeting. CNo error exists in this sentence. DThe discussion of the budget was held in a private meeting.

    Answer: C. No error exists in this sentence.

    This sentence is grammatically correct as written. 'Regarding' is a formal preposition that is perfectly appropriate for linking the noun 'discussion' to its subject matter in a professional context.

37. Q37Which sentence is grammatically correct regarding 'appreciation'?

    AThe appreciating of the staff's hard work was shown. BThe appreciation for the staff's hard work was shown. CThe appreciation to the staff's hard work was shown. DThe appreciation regarding the staff's hard work was shown.

    Answer: B. The appreciation for the staff's hard work was shown.

    The noun 'appreciation' is followed by the preposition 'for' when expressing gratitude or recognition for someone's efforts. 'Appreciation to' would usually refer to the people being thanked.

38. Q38Choose the correct version: 'The rapid rise of oil prices has caused concern among investors.'

    AThe rapid rise to oil prices has caused concern among investors. BThe rapid rise in oil prices has caused concern among investors. CThe rapid rise by oil prices has caused concern among investors. DThe rapid rise for oil prices has caused concern among investors.

    Answer: B. The rapid rise in oil prices has caused concern among investors.

    In English, we use the preposition 'in' after nouns like 'rise,' 'fall,' 'increase,' or 'decrease' when referring to a change in price, quantity, or level. 'Rise of' is used for people or empires, but 'rise in' is used for values.

39. Q39Which sentence uses nominalisation appropriately?

    AThe rejection for the proposal was unexpected. BThe rejection of the proposal was unexpected. CThe rejecting of the proposal was unexpected. DThe rejection to the proposal was unexpected.

    Answer: B. The rejection of the proposal was unexpected.

    The verb 'reject' becomes the noun 'rejection.' The standard preposition to connect this noun to the thing that was turned down is 'of.' Gerunds like 'the rejecting' are less formal and less common than the dedicated noun form.

40. Q40Identify the error: 'The need for action is clear to all stakeholders.'

    AThe need about action is clear to all stakeholders. BThe need of action is clear to all stakeholders. CThe need to action is clear to all stakeholders. DNo error exists in this sentence.

    Answer: D. No error exists in this sentence.

    The sentence is grammatically correct. The noun 'need' is correctly followed by the preposition 'for' when describing a requirement for something. 'Stakeholders' is also a correct formal term for people involved in a business or project.

41. Q41Which sentence is best for a formal report?

    AThe identification to the problem was the first step. BThe identifying of the problem was the first step. CThe identification of the problem was the first step. DThe identification for the problem was the first step.

    Answer: C. The identification of the problem was the first step.

    The noun 'identification' requires the preposition 'of' to connect to the object being identified. This structure is more formal and standard in report writing than using the gerund 'identifying.'

42. Q42Choose the correct version: 'Her failure in completing the assignment resulted in a low grade.'

    AHer failure to complete the assignment resulted in a low grade. BHer failure of completing the assignment resulted in a low grade. CHer failure for completing the assignment resulted in a low grade. DHer failure in completing the assignment resulted in a low grade.

    Answer: A. Her failure to complete the assignment resulted in a low grade.

    The noun 'failure' is most commonly and correctly followed by a to-infinitive ('failure to complete') to describe an action that did not happen. While 'failure in' is occasionally used, the infinitive is the standard choice in professional and academic English.

43. Q43Which sentence is grammatically correct?

    AThe converting of the building into a hotel was completed. BThe conversion of the building into a hotel was completed. CThe conversion to the building into a hotel was completed. DThe conversion for the building into a hotel was completed.

    Answer: B. The conversion of the building into a hotel was completed.

    The noun 'conversion' follows the pattern 'conversion of [original] into [new].' 'Converting of' is a gerund phrase that is less appropriate for formal writing than the noun 'conversion.'

44. Q44Identify the error: 'The presentation of the report was followed by a Q&A session.'

    AThe presentation of the report was followed by a Q&A session. BNo error exists in this sentence. CThe presentation to the report was followed by a Q&A session. DThe presentation for the report was followed by a Q&A session.

    Answer: B. No error exists in this sentence.

    This sentence is perfectly correct. 'Presentation of' is the standard way to link the noun to its object, and the rest of the sentence uses appropriate formal terminology for a meeting or seminar.

45. Q45Which sentence is stylistically best?

    AThe developing of the software took two years. BThe development to the software took two years. CThe development for the software took two years. DThe development of the software took two years.

    Answer: D. The development of the software took two years.

    The noun 'development' is naturally followed by the preposition 'of' to describe the product being created. 'Developing of' is an awkward gerund construction, and 'for' or 'to' are incorrect prepositional pairings in this context.