Formal Nominal Style
Nominal style uses nouns such as implementarea to focus on an action or result. It is common in formal writing, but clear active clauses are also standard.
How It Works
In formal Romanian, noun-based constructions are common, but they are not a universal requirement for formal writing. It is characterized by:
- Deverbal Nouns: Frequent use of nouns derived from verbs, typically ending in -re (e.g., dezvoltare from a dezvolta).
- Support Verbs: The 'weakening' of the verb, where active semantic verbs are replaced by support verbs like a efectua (to perform), a realiza (to carry out), or a proceda la (to proceed to). The main meaning is carried by the noun that follows.
- Genitive Stacking: A high density of nouns in the genitive case. To maintain clarity, the possessive article (al, a, ai, ale) is used to link a possessor back to the correct head noun if an adjective separates them or if the head noun is indefinite (e.g., o decizie a comisiei).
- Neologisms: Preference for Latinate or French-derived vocabulary (e.g., a solicita instead of a cere) to build fluency in academic or administrative contexts.
- Reflexive-Passive: Frequent use of the passive se to maintain an objective, impersonal tone by focusing on the action rather than the agent.
- Prepositional Locutions: Replacing simple prepositions with formal phrases (e.g., în vederea, în scopul). These two take a genitive dependent. Distinguish conform, which can take the dative (conform legii) or a construction with cu (conform cu legea).
- Objective Tone: Leaving the agent unmentioned shifts attention to the event or result; it does not make a claim indisputable or create a legal duty.
Although common in contracts and research, overusing this style in casual settings results in limbaj de lemn ('wooden language'), which sounds bureaucratic and unnatural.
Examples (4)
- Realizarea obiectivelor propuse necesită coordonarea eforturilor tuturor departamentelor.
The achievement of the proposed objectives requires the coordination of the efforts of all departments.
Word by Word: Achievement-the objectives-of proposed requires coordination-the efforts-of all departments-of.
Notice how 'realizarea' (achievement) and 'coordonarea' (coordination) replace active verbs like 'a realiza' or 'a coordona'.
- Publicarea raportului anual al comisiei a fost amânată.
The publication of the annual report of the commission was postponed.
Word by Word: Publication-the report-of annual of-the commission-of has been postponed.
The article 'al' is crucial here to link 'comisiei' (commission) back to 'raportului' (report), preventing ambiguity.
- În vederea îmbunătățirii serviciilor, solicităm completarea chestionarului.
In view of improving the services, we request the completion of the questionnaire.
Word by Word: In view-the improvement-of services-of, (we) request completion-the questionnaire-of.
Uses the formal locution 'în vederea' and the nominalized 'completarea' instead of a simple 'să completați' (that you complete).
- Implementarea noilor reglementări este obligatorie pentru toți angajații.
The implementation of the new regulations is mandatory for all employees.
Word by Word: Implementation-the new-of regulations-of is mandatory for all employees-the.
A classic administrative sentence where the action ('implementing') is turned into a static noun ('implementation').
Common Mistakes
Inserting al when the definite head is immediately followed by its genitive possessor.
Publicarea raportului al comisiei.Publicarea raportului comisiei.In raportului comisiei, the definite head raportului is immediately followed by its genitive dependent, so no al is inserted. Compare raportului anual al comisiei, where an adjective intervenes. The form of al agrees with the noun whose possessor it introduces.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Identify possessive-article agreement inside longer noun phrases. Recognize derived abstract nouns used to condense formal prose.
Related Patterns
- Long-Infinitive Nouns
These nouns (ending in -re) are the building blocks of the nominal style.
Level 5 - Passive With a fiThe Fi Passive
Often used alongside nominal style to further remove the focus from the active subject.
Level 3 - întrucât / deoarece / dat fiind căFormal Causes
Formal conjunctions that frequently appear in texts written in the nominal style.
Level 5 - Legal Modality
These legal structures often govern the nominalized clauses in administrative documents.
Level 6
Practice Formal Nominal Style in Bubblegum
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