Turning Adjectives into Nouns
The film was popular. → The film enjoyed great popularity.
Notice
- The film enjoyed great popularity. (popular → popularity)
- The complexity of the issue surprised everyone. (complex → complexity)
- There is growing awareness of the problem. (aware → awareness)
- The report highlighted the significance of the findings. (significant → significance)
Rule
Adjectives can also be nominalised (usually with suffixes like -ity, -ness, -ance/-ence). This lets writers discuss qualities as abstract concepts — essential for academic and analytical writing where you discuss ideas rather than describe people or things directly.
Practice
- Nominalise: ‘The problem is becoming more complex.’
Answer: The complexity of the problem is increasing. - Nominalise: ‘People are more aware of climate change now.’
Answer: Awareness of climate change has increased. - Nominalise: ‘The results were significant.’
Answer: The significance of the results was notable. - What is the noun form of ‘accurate’?
Answer: Accuracy
Connect
Build your academic vocabulary with nominalised forms.
CEFR: Writing — write about complex subjects with an appropriately formal, analytical style.
Founder and CEO at English Finders
Azizul Hakim is the founder & CEO at English Finders. He is a passionate writer, English instructor, and content creator. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. With more than a decade of experience, he aims to make English learning simple, engaging, and accessible for everyone.
Latest posts by Azizul Hakim (see all)
- Imagery: Meaning, 7 Types and Examples in Writing - October 10, 2026
- Literary Devices: 30 Common Devices with Meanings and Examples - October 9, 2026
- Bandwagon Fallacy: Meaning, Examples and Origin - October 8, 2026
Reading as a guest. Create a free account or log in to save your progress, mark lessons complete and earn a certificate.