Although nominalizations often make writing harder to understand, they aren’t always bad. In some cases, readers will prefer nominalizations. To use nominalizations effectively, though, you should bear a few points in mind that will help you decide which to keep and which to revise.

Here are some nominalizations you should probably keep:

• A nominalization that refers to a lengthy action in an earlier sentence:

  For example, see how the long underlined action in the first sentence becomes a short bolded nominalization in the second:

  Some have argued that women should be the primary caretakers of children. This argument rests on some assumptions about gender differences.

• A nominalization that replaces the phrase “The fact that”:

  For example, see how the long underlined phrase in this sentence:

  The fact that you lead people well makes you a good candidate for the job.

  becomes the short bolded phrase in this one:

  Your leadership makes you a good candidate for the job.

• A nominalization that replaces a long phrase as the object of a verb:

  For example, see how the long underlined phrase in this sentence:

  I received what she inquired about.

  Becomes the short bolded phrase in this one:

  I received her inquiry.

• A nominalization that your readers are familiar with:

  For example:

  Women voters will determine the outcome of this election.

  Nominalizations can make appropriate subjects in certain cases.