Home
Learn
Portuguese
Grammar
Mastering Abstract Concepts
Portuguese Nominalization: Turning Verbs into Nouns (Nominalização)

1 Portuguese Nominalization: Turning Verbs into Nouns 2 Turning Adjectives into Nouns (Nominalization) 3 Portuguese Nominalization: Turning Verbs into Nouns (Nominalização) 4 Portuguese Nominalization: Turning Verbs into Nouns (Nominalização)

Back to Chapter

C1 Formal Register 13 min read Medium

Portuguese Nominalization: Turning Verbs into Nouns (Nominalização)

Use nominalization to transform actions into abstract concepts, sounding professional and objective in formal Portuguese registers.

Mark as Learned

Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Nominalization turns verbs into nouns using suffixes like -ção, -mento, or -agem to create formal, concise academic or professional sentences.

Add -ção to verbs ending in -ar (e.g., 'aplicar' -> 'aplicação').
Add -mento to verbs ending in -er/-ir (e.g., 'crescer' -> 'crescimento').
Use -agem for process-oriented nouns (e.g., 'abordar' -> 'abordagem').

Verb (stem) + Suffix (-ção/-mento/-agem) = Noun

Overview

Nominalization (Nominalização) in Portuguese is a critical C1-level skill that involves transforming verbs and adjectives into nouns. This isn't just a grammatical trick; it's a fundamental mechanism for shifting a sentence's focus from an action or quality to an abstract concept, entity, or process. By mastering nominalization, you move from simply describing events to analyzing and discussing the ideas behind them.

It is the linguistic engine that drives formality, objectivity, and conciseness in Portuguese, making it indispensable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing.

At its core, nominalização allows for greater syntactic flexibility and information density. When a verb like construir (to build) becomes the noun a construção (the construction/the building), that concept can now act as the subject or object of a sentence. This enables you to condense complex clauses and structure arguments in a more sophisticated way.

Instead of saying, Eles analisaram os dados e isso revelou uma tendência (They analyzed the data and this revealed a trend), you can state more formally: A análise dos dados revelou uma tendência (The analysis of the data revealed a trend). Notice how the focus shifts from the doer (Eles) to the process (A análise).

This process of turning dynamic actions into static concepts is what equips Portuguese for complex abstract thought. You'll find it essential for expressing nuanced relationships between ideas with precision and authority. For a C1 learner, nominalization is no longer an optional stylistic choice but a necessary tool for navigating formal discourse, building cohesive texts, and articulating arguments with the sophistication expected in professional and academic environments.

It's the difference between telling a story and writing a report on it.

How This Grammar Works

Portuguese nominalization primarily operates through three distinct mechanisms. While they all create nouns, each method carries its own nuances regarding formality, meaning, and application. Understanding these differences is key to using nominalization accurately and effectively.

1. Suffixation (Sufixação)

This is the most common and productive method of nominalization. It works by adding a specific suffix to the root of a verb or adjective, which often requires small adjustments to the stem. The resulting noun typically signifies the action, result, state, or quality of the original word.

For example, the verb realizar (to carry out) becomes a realização (the realization/implementation) with the suffix -ção. Similarly, the adjective belo (beautiful) becomes a beleza (beauty) with the suffix -eza. These nouns are the building blocks of abstract thought in Portuguese, allowing you to discuss concepts like desenvolvimento (development) or sustentabilidade (sustainability).

2. Regressive Derivation (Derivação Regressiva)

Also known as "deverbal nouns," this process forms a noun by removing the final -r from a verb's infinitive form and adding a nominal vowel, typically -a, -e, or -o. Unlike suffixation, which often generalizes an action into an abstract concept, regressive derivation usually refers to a single, concrete instance of an action. For example, from comprar (to buy), we get a compra (the purchase).

From debater (to debate), we get o debate (the debate). These nouns are extremely common in everyday speech and writing, often referring to the direct result or a specific occurrence of the verb's action. The noun o ataque (the attack) comes from atacar (to attack), and it pinpoints the event itself.

3. The Nominalized Infinitive (O Infinitivo Substantivado)

This is a uniquely elegant feature of Portuguese. By placing a definite article (almost always the masculine singular o) before an infinitive verb, you turn the verb itself into a noun. This construction refers to the very act or concept of the verb in a general, philosophical, or even poetic sense.

For example, saber (to know) becomes o saber (knowledge, the act of knowing), as in O saber é poder (Knowledge is power). O olhar (the gaze, the act of looking) from olhar (to look) can convey a depth of meaning that a simple action verb cannot. This form emphasizes the process or inherent nature of the action rather than a specific instance or its result.

Formation Pattern

Mastering the patterns of nominalization requires recognizing common suffixes and understanding the logic of regressive derivation. While some memorization is unavoidable, these patterns provide a solid foundation.

Suffixation Patterns

Suffixation is the most varied method. The choice of suffix is often determined by the verb's ending and its Latin origin. The following table outlines the most productive suffixes for turning verbs and adjectives into nouns.

| --- | --- | --- | --- |

| -ção | From Latin -TIO. Extremely common for -ar verbs. Denotes action or result. | organizar → a organização (the organization) | The most common nominalizing suffix in Portuguese. |

| -são | A variant of -ção for verbs ending in -nder, -verter, -pelir. | compreender → a compreensão (the comprehension) | Also expandir → a expansão, expelir → a expulsão. |

| -mento | From Latin -MENTUM. Often denotes the result or instrument of an action. | desenvolver → o desenvolvimento (the development) | Tends to create nouns with a more concrete or process-oriented feel, like investimento (investment). |

| -agem | From French -age. Often indicates an action, collection, or state. | aprender → a aprendizagem (the learning process) | Can sometimes have a slightly informal or technical tone, like a lavagem (the washing). |

| -ância / -ência | From adjectives. Forms nouns denoting a quality or state. | tolerante → a tolerância (tolerance), competente → a competência (competence) | The choice between -ância and -ência depends on the adjective's vowel. |

| -dade | From adjectives. Creates abstract nouns signifying a quality or state. | real → a realidade (reality), feliz → a felicidade (happiness) | Extremely common. Connects to the English "-ty" (reality, felicity). |

| -eza | From adjectives. Forms abstract nouns denoting a quality. | belo → a beleza (beauty), certo → a certeza (certainty) | Often implies an inherent or notable quality. |

| -ez | Similar to -eza, creates abstract nouns from adjectives. | rápido → a rapidez (speed/rapidity), estúpido → a estupidez (stupidity) | Tends to be used with short, common adjectives. |

Regressive Derivation Patterns

This pattern is simpler but requires you to learn the gender of the resulting noun. The rule is to remove the final -r of the infinitive. Verbs ending in -ar typically yield feminine nouns ending in -a, while verbs from all conjugations can also produce masculine nouns ending in -o or -e.

| --- | --- | --- | --- |

Nominalizing Adjectives

This straightforward process turns a quality into an abstract concept or a group defined by that quality. You simply place a definite article before the adjective.

Singular Masculine (o): Refers to the abstract concept. O belo (the beautiful), O importante (the important thing). For example: O essencial é invisível aos olhos. (The essential is invisible to the eyes.)

Plural (os, as): Refers to a group of people or things with that quality. Os ricos (the rich), Os jovens (the young people). For example: É preciso ouvir mais os idosos. (It's necessary to listen more to the elderly.)

When To Use It

Knowing how to form nominalizations is only half the battle. At the C1 level, you must understand when and why to use them to achieve specific communicative goals.

1. To Achieve Formality and Objectivity

This is the primary function of nominalization in professional and academic contexts. By transforming a verb into a noun, you shift the focus away from the person performing the action, creating a more objective and analytical tone. This is crucial in reports, essays, and official correspondence.

Instead of: O presidente anunciou que a empresa vai cortar custos. (The president announced that the company will cut costs.)
Use: O anúncio do corte de custos foi feito pelo presidente. (The announcement of the cost cut was made by the president.) The nominalized version (o anúncio, o corte) sounds more formal and detached.

2. To Create Textual Cohesion

Nominalization is a powerful tool for linking sentences and ideas. A noun can summarize the entire action of a preceding sentence, creating a smooth and logical flow. This is a key feature of sophisticated writing.

Example: O governo implementou novas leis de imigração em janeiro. Essa implementação gerou muita controvérsia. (The government implemented new immigration laws in January. This implementation generated much controversy.) The noun implementação elegantly refers back to the entire previous clause.

3. For Syntactic Condensation

Nominalization allows you to embed complex ideas into a sentence without resorting to multiple subordinate clauses (que, quando, porque). This makes your writing more concise and information-dense.

Verbose: Ele chegou atrasado, e isso irritou a gerente. (He arrived late, and this irritated the manager.)
Condensed: O atraso dele irritou a gerente. (His delay irritated the manager.) The entire event is packaged into a single noun phrase, which becomes the subject of the sentence.

4. For Stylistic or Philosophical Effect

This is the domain of the nominalized infinitive (o infinitivo substantivado). It is used to discuss actions as general concepts, often lending a poetic, reflective, or universal tone to a statement. You'll find it in literature, aphorisms, and thoughtful essays.

Examples: Para mim, o viver é uma festa. (For me, living is a party.) O seu caminhar é elegante. (Your way of walking is elegant.) Here, viver and caminhar are not specific actions but the very essence of the act itself.

Common Mistakes

Even advanced learners can stumble with nominalization. Being aware of these common pitfalls is the first step toward avoiding them.

1. Choosing the Incorrect Suffix

This is the most frequent error. Learners often try to apply a known suffix to a new verb logically, but the choice is lexical, not always predictable.

Mistake: observação vs. observamento. While observação is correct, desenvolvimento (not *desenvolvição) is also correct. There's no universal rule.
Reason: Suffix productivity has changed over time, and many nouns are inherited directly from Latin. A verb's etymology often dictates its nominal form.
Correction: There is no substitute for exposure and memorization. When in doubt, always verify with a dictionary. Pay attention to common pairings: organizar/-ção, desenvolver/-mento, compreender/-são.

2. Confusing Regressive Nouns with Suffixed Nouns

The distinction in meaning between a concrete instance (a compra) and the general process (a compração) can be subtle.

Mistake: Using a regressive noun for an abstract process, e.g., *A compra de matéria-prima é um processo complexo. This sounds slightly off in a business context.
Reason: A compra usually refers to the single act of buying something. O processo de compra or the more technical a compração better describes the entire procurement procedure.
Correction: Use regressive nouns (debate, ajuda, corte) for specific events or results. Use suffixed nouns (discussão, auxílio, redução) for more abstract, general, or formal concepts.

3. Overusing Nominalization in Casual Contexts

While essential for formal writing, peppering casual conversation with heavy nominalizations can make you sound stiff, bureaucratic, or even pretentious.

Mistake: Asking a friend: Qual é a sua preferência? (What is your preference?) instead of the more natural O que você prefere? (What do you prefer?).
Reason: Spoken, informal Portuguese prioritizes verb-centric structures. They are more direct and dynamic.
Correction: Reserve heavy nominalization for its intended contexts: writing, formal presentations, and academic discussions. In daily conversation, stick to conjugated verbs unless a nominalized form (a festa, o jogo) is the common term.

4. Gender and Agreement Errors

The gender of deverbal (regressive) nouns is often not predictable and must be learned.

Mistake: a debate (it's o debate) or o análise (it's a análise, though this error is common even among native speakers in Brazil).
Reason: The assigned gender is a lexical property of the noun, not derived from the verb.
Correction: Treat each deverbal noun as a new vocabulary item and memorize its gender. Practice with determiners: o ataque, a busca, o resgate, a quebra.

Real Conversations

Nominalization is not just for textbooks. It appears constantly in authentic, modern communication, though its form and function vary by context.

- Work Email (Formal): Agradeço a confirmação da reunião. Segue em anexo o relatório para análise. (I appreciate the confirmation of the meeting. Attached is the report for analysis.) Here, confirmação and análise are standard, formal, and concise.

- News Headline (Concise): Queda no desemprego anima o mercado. (Fall in unemployment cheers the market.) The deverbal noun queda (from cair) is perfect for a headline's need for brevity and impact.

- WhatsApp Message (Informal): Nossa, o trânsito hoje tá uma loucura! (Wow, the traffic today is madness!) Both trânsito (from transitar) and loucura (from louco) are nominalizations used naturally in colloquial speech.

- Social Media Post (Reflective): A beleza do pôr do sol de hoje. (The beauty of today's sunset.) The nominalized infinitive pôr is part of a fixed compound noun, pôr do sol, a very common and slightly poetic term.

- Casual Conversation (Storytelling): O choro da criança era de fome, não de manha. (The child's crying was from hunger, not a tantrum.) The deverbal noun choro (from chorar) efficiently describes the event.

Quick FAQ

Q: Is there one simple rule to know which suffix (-ção, -mento, etc.) to use with a verb?

Unfortunately, no. While strong patterns exist (e.g., -ar verbs frequently take -ção), the correct suffix is largely a lexical matter, often tied to the word's Latin root. The most effective strategy is to learn the primary noun associated with a verb as a single vocabulary unit. For example, learn desenvolver and o desenvolvimento together.

Q: What is the real difference between a nominalized infinitive like o falar and a deverbal noun like a fala?

O falar refers to the abstract act of speaking itself, as a general human capability (O falar distingue os humanos). A fala refers to a specific instance of speech, a particular person's manner of speaking, or a delivered address (A fala do diretor foi inspiradora). Think of it as the general process vs. a specific product.

Q: Can I turn any verb or adjective into a noun?

In theory, the grammatical mechanisms exist, but in practice, no. Portuguese relies on established, conventional forms. You cannot simply invent a nominalization like *escrevimento from escrever; the standard forms are a escrita (the writing/script) or o escrito (the written text). Attempting to create new ones will almost always sound unnatural or be incorrect. Always check a dictionary if you're unsure.

Q: In Brazil, I hear people say o/a grama (the grass). Does this happen with nominalizations too?

Yes, gender fluctuation for some nouns is a feature of informal Brazilian Portuguese. One of the most common examples related to this topic is a análise, which is sometimes incorrectly used as *o análise. However, in formal writing and for C1-level proficiency, you must adhere to the standard gender: a análise is always feminine.

Common Nominalization Suffixes

Verb Ending	Suffix	Example Verb	Resulting Noun	Gender
-ar	-ção	organizar	organização	Feminine
-er	-mento	crescer	crescimento	Masculine
-ir	-mento	sentir	sentimento	Masculine
-ar	-agem	abordar	abordagem	Feminine
-ar	regressiva	comprar	compra	Feminine
-er	regressiva	vender	venda	Feminine

Meanings

Nominalization is the process of forming a noun from a verb, allowing the speaker to focus on the action as a concept rather than an event.

Action as Concept

Turning an action into a static noun.

“A decisão foi difícil.”

“A construção terminou.”

Process Description

Describing the duration or method of an action.

“O planejamento durou meses.”

“O treinamento foi intenso.”

Result of Action

The outcome of a verb.

“A doação foi generosa.”

“A criação é original.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Portuguese Nominalization: Turning Verbs into Nouns (Nominalização)
Form	Structure	Example
Affirmative	Noun + Verb + Adjective	A decisão foi correta.
Negative	Noun + não + Verb	A decisão não foi correta.
Interrogative	A + Noun + foi + Adjective?	A decisão foi correta?
Passive	Noun + foi + Participle	A implementação foi concluída.
Plural	Article + Noun(s)	As decisões foram difíceis.
Complex	Article + Noun + de + Noun	A conclusão do estudo.

Formality Spectrum

Formal

A tomada de decisão foi realizada.

A tomada de decisão foi realizada. (Professional meeting)

Neutral

Nós decidimos.

Nós decidimos. (Professional meeting)

Informal

A gente decidiu.

A gente decidiu. (Professional meeting)

Slang

Decidimos aí.

Decidimos aí. (Professional meeting)

Nominalization Tree

Verb

Suffixes

-ção action
-mento result

Examples

criação creation
pagamento payment

Examples by Level

O estudo é importante.

The study is important.

A ajuda chegou.

The help arrived.

A compra foi barata.

The purchase was cheap.

O trabalho é longo.

The work is long.

A organização é essencial.

Organization is essential.

O pagamento foi feito.

The payment was made.

A decisão foi tomada.

The decision was made.

A viagem foi boa.

The trip was good.

A implementação do sistema falhou.

The system implementation failed.

O crescimento da empresa é notável.

The company's growth is notable.

A abordagem foi muito profissional.

The approach was very professional.

A discussão durou horas.

The discussion lasted hours.

A análise dos dados revelou erros.

The data analysis revealed errors.

A conclusão do relatório foi positiva.

The report's conclusion was positive.

A contratação de novos funcionários é necessária.

The hiring of new employees is necessary.

A manifestação foi pacífica.

The demonstration was peaceful.

A desregulamentação do setor causou instabilidade.

The sector's deregulation caused instability.

A reestruturação organizacional é imperativa.

The organizational restructuring is imperative.

A implementação de políticas públicas exige cautela.

The implementation of public policies requires caution.

A interpretação dos fatos é subjetiva.

The interpretation of the facts is subjective.

A cristalização das normas sociais reflete a tradição.

The crystallization of social norms reflects tradition.

A ineficiência na operacionalização dos processos é evidente.

The inefficiency in the operationalization of processes is evident.

A fragmentação do discurso político é preocupante.

The fragmentation of political discourse is worrying.

A transmutação dos valores morais é um fenômeno complexo.

The transmutation of moral values is a complex phenomenon.

Easily Confused

Portuguese Nominalization: Turning Verbs into Nouns (Nominalização) vs Infinitive as Noun vs. Nominalization

Learners often use the infinitive where a noun is required.

Portuguese Nominalization: Turning Verbs into Nouns (Nominalização) vs Suffix -ção vs -mento

Mixing up the suffixes for different verb classes.

Portuguese Nominalization: Turning Verbs into Nouns (Nominalização) vs Gender of Nouns

Assuming all nouns end in -o are masculine.

Common Mistakes

✗

A fazimento

✓

A feitura

Wrong suffix choice.

✗

O organização

✓

A organização

Wrong gender.

✗

A caminhar

✓

A caminhada

Infinitive is not the best noun.

✗

O decisão

✓

A decisão

Gender mismatch.

✗

O crescência

✓

O crescimento

Incorrect suffix.

✗

A pagação

✓

O pagamento

Wrong suffix for -ar verb.

✗

A decidimento

✓

A decisão

Wrong suffix.

✗

A implementamento

✓

A implementação

Wrong suffix.

✗

O construição

✓

A construção

Gender mismatch.

✗

A abordação

✓

A abordagem

Wrong suffix.

✗

A desregulamentação

✓

A desregulamentação

Correct, but check context.

✗

A operacionalização

✓

A operacionalização

Correct, but check spelling.

✗

A fragmentação

✓

A fragmentação

Correct.

✗

A transmutação

✓

A transmutação

Correct.

Sentence Patterns

A ___ do ___ foi concluída.

O ___ foi muito positivo.

A ___ foi difícil de tomar.

A ___ dos dados foi feita.

Real World Usage

Corporate Email very common

A implementação será feita amanhã.

Academic Paper constant

A análise dos resultados é clara.

News Headline very common

A decisão do governo.

Job Interview common

Minha formação é em engenharia.

Social Media occasional

A organização do evento foi top.

Banking App very common

Confirmação do pagamento.

💡

Check the Gender

Always remember that -ção is feminine and -mento is masculine.

⚠️

Avoid Overuse

Too many nouns make text heavy. Balance with verbs.

🎯

Use in Formal Writing

Nominalization is your best friend for reports.

💬

Regional Nuance

Brazilians use it more in business than in casual chat.

Smart Tips

Replace verb phrases with nominalizations.

Nós decidimos implementar o plano. → A implementação do plano foi decidida.

Use -mento for process-oriented nouns.

O processo de crescer foi lento. → O crescimento foi lento.

Use nominalization to remove the subject.

Eles analisaram os dados. → A análise dos dados foi feita.

Look for the verb root.

A decidimento. → A decisão.

Pronunciation

or-ga-ni-za-ÇÃO

Suffix stress

Suffixes like -ção always carry the stress on the final 'o'.

Formal statement

A implementação ↘ foi concluída.

Falling intonation indicates finality.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember: 'Cão' (dog) likes -ção, 'Mento' (chin) likes -mento.

Visual Association

Imagine a verb (a running person) hitting a wall and turning into a solid statue (a noun). The statue has a label on it: -ção or -mento.

Rhyme

Se o verbo termina em ar, a -ção vai chegar; se for er ou ir, o -mento vai surgir.

Story

João wanted to organize his life. He took the verb 'organizar', added 'ção', and created his 'organização'. Then he felt a 'sentimento' (from 'sentir') of pride. He finally reached his 'objetivo' (from 'objetivar').

Word Web

Suffix -ção for -ar verb.

Choose the correct noun. Multiple Choice

Qual é o substantivo de 'crescer'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: crescimento

Suffix -mento for -er verb.

Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

O organização foi feita.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A organização foi feita.

Gender agreement.

Transform the verb into a noun. Sentence Transformation

Eles decidiram o plano. -> A ___ do plano foi feita.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: decisão

Regressive derivation.

Match verb to noun. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ligação

Suffix -ção.

Choose the correct noun. Multiple Choice

Qual é o substantivo de 'abordar'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: abordagem

Suffix -agem.

Fill in the blank.

A ___ (implementar) do sistema é necessária.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: implementação

Suffix -ção.

Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

O pagamento foi feita.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O pagamento foi feito.

Gender agreement.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises

Fill in the blank with the correct noun.

A ___ (organizar) do evento foi ótima.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: organização

Suffix -ção for -ar verb.

Choose the correct noun. Multiple Choice

Qual é o substantivo de 'crescer'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: crescimento

Suffix -mento for -er verb.

Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

O organização foi feita.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A organização foi feita.

Gender agreement.

Transform the verb into a noun. Sentence Transformation

Eles decidiram o plano. -> A ___ do plano foi feita.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: decisão

Regressive derivation.

Match verb to noun. Match Pairs

Ligar -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ligação

Suffix -ção.

Choose the correct noun. Multiple Choice

Qual é o substantivo de 'abordar'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: abordagem

Suffix -agem.

Fill in the blank.

A ___ (implementar) do sistema é necessária.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: implementação

Suffix -ção.

Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

O pagamento foi feita.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O pagamento foi feito.

Gender agreement.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises

Fill in the blank with the noun form of 'analisar'. Fill in the Blank

A ________ detalhada dos dados revelou erros.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: análise

Correct the noun form for the verb 'proibir'. Error Correction

A proibição do fumo é obrigatória.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A proibição do fumo é obrigatória.

Reorder the words to form a formal sentence using nominalization. Sentence Reorder

recurso / de / a / aceita / foi / não / apelação

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A apelação de recurso não foi aceita.

Translate this formal sentence into Portuguese using nominalization. Translation

The verification of the documents is necessary.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A verificação dos documentos é necessária.

Which suffix is typically used with 'esclarecer'? Multiple Choice

Esclarecer → ________

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: esclarecimento

Match the verb to its nominalized noun. Match Pairs

Match the items:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Votar : Votação

Transform 'rápido' into a noun. Fill in the Blank

A ________ da internet é essencial para gamers.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: rapidez

Fix the noun for 'julgar'. Error Correction

O julgagem será amanhã no tribunal.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O julgamento será amanhã no tribunal.

Reorder to express a formal complaint. Sentence Reorder

o / sua / inaceitável / é / comportamento / de / atraso

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O atraso de seu comportamento é inaceitável.

Which of these is a 'regressive' noun? Multiple Choice

Identify the regressive derivation:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A compra (from comprar)

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

To sound more formal and objective in professional writing.

Check the verb ending: -ar usually takes -ção, -er/-ir takes -mento.

It's usually too formal for texting.

It will sound unnatural to native speakers.

Yes, some verbs use regressive derivation like 'compra'.

Yes, it shows professional vocabulary.

Mostly, yes, but some suffixes vary slightly.

Try rewriting your emails using more nouns.

Scaffolded Practice

1

2

3

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Nominalización

Gender agreement is almost identical.

French high

Nominalisation

Gender can differ (e.g., le/la).

German moderate

Nominalisierung

German uses compound nouns more.

Japanese low

名詞化 (Meishika)

Japanese doesn't use suffixes in the same way.

Arabic low

Masdar

Arabic is root-based, not suffix-based.

Chinese low

名词化

Chinese lacks morphological suffixes.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Portuguese Nominalization: Turning Verbs into Nouns (Nominalização)

Continue With

C1 Recommends

Formal Definitions & Clarification (trata-se de, ou seja)

Overview At the C1 proficiency level, learners of Portuguese encounter a critical shift in linguistic demands: the neces...

C1 Requires