名词化【míngcíhuà】

In formal writing a verb can head a noun phrase as it stands: no ending is added, where English would add -ment or -tion. Whoever does the action goes before it with 的, and adjectives and measure words attach as they would to any noun.

The object of the action is marked with 对 and goes in front.

Dummy verbs: 进行, 加以, 作出

These verbs mean little on their own. Their object is a two-syllable verb, which carries the real meaning, and the thing acted on moves in front with 对. The result sounds official and complete, which is why reports and news use it.

进行 is the most general and suits ongoing activity: 讨论, 调查, 研究. 加以 is more formal and usually comes after a modal or adverb, with no object after the verb. 作出 goes with decisions and responses: 决定, 解释, 调整, 贡献.

Common mistakes

The verb after a dummy verb has two syllables. A one-syllable verb doesn't fit.

• × 进行查 → 进行调查

The object doesn't follow the nominalised verb; it moves in front with 对.

• × 我们进行讨论这个问题 → 我们对这个问题进行讨论

In speech, plain verbs are the norm. Dummy verbs on everyday actions sound absurd.

• × 我们进行吃饭吧 → 我们吃饭吧