Nominal vs verbal style

Nominal style (nominalstil) is a characteristic feature of formal written Swedish, especially in administrative, legal, and academic contexts. It contrasts with the more direct verbal style (verbalstil) typical of spoken language and narrative texts.

How it works:
The main technique is nominalization, where a verb phrase is converted into a noun phrase. This is often done using specific noun-forming suffixes:

• -ning: undersöka → undersökning (investigate → investigation)
• -tion/-sion: producera → produktion (produce → production)
• -ande/-ende: uttala → uttalande (state → statement; the usual noun for pronunciation is uttal)

Often, the entire clause is restructured. The subject of the verb might become a genitive (possessive) form, and the object might be linked with a preposition like av or om.

Effects of Nominal Style:

• Conciseness: It can pack a lot of information into a dense noun phrase.
• Abstraction: It treats actions and processes as static concepts or objects.
• Impersonality: By turning the verb into a noun, the agent (the one performing the action) can be omitted, creating a more impersonal or formal presentation, similar to the s-passive.
• Information Density: Dense noun phrases can connect complex concepts, but may also make a report harder to read or unnecessarily long.

Verbal vs. Nominal Example:
Verbal: Regeringen beslutade att de skulle höja skatterna. (The government decided that they would raise the taxes.)
Nominal: Regeringens beslut om en skattehöjning. (The government's decision about a tax increase.)

While powerful in formal writing, overusing nominal style in everyday communication can make your Swedish sound stiff, bureaucratic, and difficult to understand. The key is to use it appropriately for the context.

Some nominal examples above are noun phrases, not complete sentences: Regeringens beslut om en skattehöjning and Företagets meddelande om en kommande omorganisation need a predicate if used as full statements. For example: Regeringens beslut om en skattehöjning väckte debatt (The government's decision about a tax increase sparked debate). In clear official writing, use a direct verb when a nominalization adds words without useful information.

Meaning and Usage Contrast
Jag ska göra en förberedelse av middagen nu. / Jag ska förbereda middagen nu.
The first wording is understandable but cumbersome for an ordinary dinner preparation. The simple verb förbereda is clearer here. Nouns are not banned from conversation; choose nominal wording when it serves a useful purpose.