Nominal Style

Level 6

Formal writing likes to turn verbs into nouns: oorweging skenk aan die voorstel (give consideration to the proposal) instead of die voorstel oorweeg (consider the proposal).

How It Works

1. From verb to noun. Official, legal and academic Afrikaans often names an action with a noun instead of a verb. The noun is usually made with -ing or a nominalized infinitive, and an adjective can become a noun with -heid:

  • die plan uitvoer → die uitvoering van die plan
  • besluit → tot 'n besluit kom
  • begin → 'n aanvang neem

2. Light verbs. The noun needs a verb with little meaning of its own. Common fixed phrases:

  • oorweging skenk aan (give consideration to) = oorweeg
  • aandag skenk aan (pay attention to)
  • uitvoering gee aan (carry out) = uitvoer
  • in werking tree (come into force)
  • in ontvangs neem (receive) = ontvang
  • 'n aanvang neem (begin, commence)

Many of these phrases come with a fixed preposition, just as verbs do in verbs with fixed prepositions.

3. Why writers use it. Nominal style sounds impersonal and formal, and it lets the writer leave out who acts: Die uitvoering van die plan begin volgende maand does not say who carries out the plan. That is why it is common in legal and official Afrikaans.

4. When not to use it. Too many nouns make a text heavy and hard to follow. Plain-language advice for Afrikaans, as for English, is to prefer the verb: Die raad sal die voorstel oorweeg is clearer than Die raad sal oorweging aan die voorstel skenk. Recognize nominal style when you read it; use it sparingly when you write (see formal written Afrikaans).

Examples (6)

  1. Die raad sal oorweging skenk aan die voorstel.

    The council will give consideration to the proposal.

    Word by Word: The council will consideration give to the proposal.

    Plain style: Die raad sal die voorstel oorweeg.

  2. Die uitvoering van die plan begin volgende maand.

    The implementation of the plan starts next month.

    Word by Word: The execution of the plan begins next month.

  3. Die nuwe wet tree op 1 Julie in werking.

    The new law comes into force on 1 July.

    Word by Word: The new law steps on 1 July into working.

  4. Ná 'n lang bespreking het die komitee tot 'n besluit gekom.

    After a long discussion, the committee came to a decision.

    Word by Word: After a long discussion has the committee to a decision come.

  5. Die vergadering neem om tienuur 'n aanvang.

    The meeting commences at ten o'clock.

    Word by Word: The meeting takes at ten-hour a beginning.

  6. Ons het u brief in ontvangs geneem.

    We have received your letter.

    Word by Word: We have your letter in receipt taken.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong preposition in a fixed nominal phrase.

    Die raad sal oorweging skenk vir die voorstel.
    Die raad sal oorweging skenk aan die voorstel.

    Oorweging skenk always takes aan, like aandag skenk aan.

  • Leaving out the preposition.

    Die departement sal uitvoering gee die plan.
    Die departement sal uitvoering gee aan die plan.

    Uitvoering gee needs aan before the thing that is carried out.

  • Swapping the fixed noun in 'n aanvang neem.

    Die vergadering neem om tienuur 'n begin.
    Die vergadering neem om tienuur 'n aanvang.

    The fixed formal phrase is 'n aanvang neem. With begin, use the plain verb: Die vergadering begin om tienuur.

How It Connects

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Nominal StyleLevel 6

Learn This First

Nominal style uses nouns instead of verbs.