《现代教育技术》就商务英语合同中名词化结构的类型分析

商务英语合同中名词化结构使用分析In business English contracts, nominalization is a common linguistic strategy used to convert verbs or adjectives into nouns. It is utilized to create a more formal and professional tone in the contract, as well as to condense information and emphasize key points. Nominalization is a vital aspect of legal writing as it provides clarity, precision, and conciseness to the language used in contracts.By converting verbs or adjectives into nouns, nominalization enables the writer to streamline the language and eliminate unnecessary words, resulting in a more direct and authoritative tone. In business contracts, nominalization is frequently used to express actions, processes, or qualities as concrete entities. For example, "We will undertake the development of the project" can be nominalized to "The development of the project will be undertaken." This transformation not only reduces the word count but also emphasizes the action of undertaking the development.Moreover, nominalization in business English contracts serves to emphasize key points and make them more prominent within the text. By turning verbs or adjectives into nouns, the writer can highlight important concepts and make them stand out in the document. For instance, "The company will provide financial support" can be nominalized to "The provision of financial support by the company." This nominalized form places greater emphasis on the provision of financial support, making it a central point in the contract.Furthermore, nominalization aids in creating a more formal and professional tone in business contracts. By using nouns instead of verbs or adjectives, the language becomes more sophisticated and appropriate for legal documents. This formal tone is essential for establishing the seriousness and authority of the contract, as well as for ensuring that the terms and conditions are clearly articulated.In summary, nominalization is a crucial linguistic tool in business English contracts. It helps to condense information, emphasize key points, and create a formal tonewithin the document. By converting verbs or adjectives into nouns, nominalization enhances the clarity, precision, and professionalism of the language used in contracts.在商务英语合同中，名词化是一种常见的语言策略，用于将动词或形容词转化为名词。

商务合同汉译英中形容词转名词的规则商务合同的翻译，说起来复杂，但又不至于难得让人崩溃。

尤其是形容词变成名词这一块，嘿，很多人一开始真是容易摸不着头脑。

咱们先从最简单的说起，形容词嘛，就是描述事物特征的词，像“快速的”，“美丽的”，“强大的”这种。

而名词呢，就是事物本身，像“速度”，“美丽”，“力量”。

在翻译商务合同时，很多时候我们需要把形容词转换成名词，这样才能让句子更流畅，意思也更精准。

说白了，就是从“辣味十足”的辣椒变成“辣味”这种味道来表达了。

看起来像是一个简单的小步骤，其实涉及到的语法和用法细节可不少呢。

咱们不妨先看几个例子，慢慢聊。

首先呢，形容词转名词最常见的方式就是加后缀。

比如把“快”变成“快速”，这还挺简单的。

可是，商务合同中这种变化的背后可是大有文章。

你得注意，一些形容词不是随便加个后缀就行的。

比如“有效的”，要想变成名词，得变成“有效性”，对吧？这俩词的差距，你懂的，差得可不止一点点。

商务合同嘛，要求严谨，得一丝不苟。

可不能让“有效的”直接变成“有效”，那就像是我们说的，套用了“低级错误”一样，既不正式，也让人看了心里发毛。

再说说名词的变化。

其实啊，某些形容词本来就是名词化的，像“重大”就能直接变成“重大”，无需任何加工，搞得就像是“油条本身就是面条”一样。

不过，很多时候，尤其是在英文中，这种直接名词化是不可取的。

我们举个例子，假设我们有“flexible agreement”这种词组，在中文里翻译成“灵活的协议”挺简单的，但要想更专业一些，得把“灵活”变成名词“灵活性”。

比如英文合同中提到“with flexibility”，那咱们就得翻成“灵活性”，就算是把简单的形容词“灵活”转化成了正式的名词，“灵活性”，有没有发现，感觉一下子就正式多了？变化的规则也带点“小花样”。

比如“独立的”形容词，它要变成名词，可就得加个“性”变成“独立性”了。

你想啊，这样一来，“独立性”不仅让语言听起来更专业，也避免了在正式场合中听起来像个“小朋友说话”一样。

2010年第5期吉林省教育学院学报No 5,2010第26卷JOURNAL O F EDUCATI ONAL I NSTI TUTE OF JI LI N PROV I NCE Vo l 26(总245期)Tota lN o 245收稿日期:2010 03 25作者简介:戴丽琼(1972),女,江苏常熟人。

硕士,常州工学院外国语学院,讲师,研究方向:应用语言学。

商务英语信函中的名词化语法隐喻阐释戴丽琼(常州工学院外国语学院,江苏常州213001)摘要:名词化隐喻是构建语法隐喻的最有力手段,它使动词或形容词转换为名词形式,并具有双重语义特征。

名词化隐喻广泛用于书面语体,在商务英语信函中发挥着重要作用。

它使信函更加简洁、正式、客观,衔接更连贯、合理。

掌握名词化隐喻有助于对商务英语语篇的理解、分析和应用。

关键词:语法隐喻;名词化;商务英语信函中图分类号:H 341 文献标识码:A 文章编号:1671 1580(2010)05 0025 02商务英语是一种专门用途英语,与普通用途英语相比,商务英语的书面语具有其独特性,其中一大特征就是使用名词化语法隐喻。

语法隐喻这一概念是由韩礼德(H alliday )提出的,它把原来修辞学的隐喻概念运用到语言研究,为隐喻研究开辟了一个新视角。

语法隐喻中的名词化隐喻是构建语法隐喻的最有力手段。

商务英语信函中运用了大量的名词化隐喻,在信函语篇中起着重要的作用。

本文将具体阐释商务英语信函中的名词化隐喻现象,旨在探究名词化隐喻的特点及其功能。

一、商务英语信函中名词化隐喻的表现形式商务英语中存在着大量的名词化现象,这也是商务英语最显著的文体特征之一。

商务英语名词化的主要表现形式为:动词的名词化,形容词的名词化和句子的名词化。

下面就依次加以阐释:(一)动词的名词化动词名词化是最常见的一种名词化形式,在一致式中,动词体现过程,名词体现参与者。

转化为隐喻式后,用名词表达过程,即将过程看作参与者。

商务英语合同中的名词化结构及其语篇分析全文共10篇示例，供读者参考篇1Hey guys, do you know what a nominalization structure is in a business English contract? Let me tell you all about it!Nominalization is when a verb, adjective, or adverb becomes a noun in a sentence. This happens a lot in business contracts because it makes the language more formal and professional. For example, instead of saying "prohibit," you might see "prohibition" in a contract. Or instead of saying "provide," you might see "provision."Now, let's talk about how nominalization structures are used in a business English contract. They are often used to make the language more concise and clear. By turning verbs into nouns, the contract becomes easier to read and understand.In a contract, nominalization structures can be found in clauses, definitions, and terms. They are used to specify obligations, responsibilities, and rights of each party involved. For example, you might see phrases like "the Party of the FirstPart shall indemnify and hold harmless the Party of the Second Part" in a contract.In conclusion, nominalization structures play a key role in business English contracts by making the language more formal and professional. They help to clarify obligations and responsibilities of each party involved in the contract. So, next time you read a contract, pay attention to the nominalization structures used and see how they enhance the language of the agreement.篇2Hey guys, today we are going to talk about something super important - nominalization in business English contracts. Sounds boring right? But trust me, it's not as scary as it sounds!So, what is nominalization? Basically, it's when we turn a verb or an adjective into a noun. For example, instead of saying "the company will increase sales," we can say "the company's sales increase." See how we turned the verb "increase" into a noun "increase"?Now, why do we use nominalization in business English contracts? Well, it makes the writing more formal and professional. It also helps to make sentences more concise andorganized. Plus, it can add a level of authority and clarity to the text.Let's look at an example of nominalization in a business English contract:Before nominalization:The company will conduct an investigation into the matter.After nominalization:The company will conduct an investigation into the matter.See how the second sentence sounds more formal and professional? That's the power of nominalization!In conclusion, nominalization is a useful tool in business English contracts. It can make your writing sound more professional and organized. So next time you are writing a contract, don't be afraid to use nominalization to enhance your text!That's all for today, hope you guys learned something new. See you next time!篇3Once upon a time, there was this thing called business English contracts. Sounds complicated, right? But don't worry, I'm gonna break it down for you in a way that even a little kid can understand.So, let's start with this thing called nominalization. What's that, you ask? Well, it's when we turn a verb into a noun. Like, instead of saying "we will discuss," we say "the discussion." See? Easy peasy.Now, why do we do this? Well, it makes things sound more formal and official. Like, imagine if we were talking to our friends and we said "let's have a chat" instead of "let's engage in a discussion." It just wouldn't sound right, would it?Okay, now let's talk about the language in these contracts. It's all fancy and sophisticated, with lots of big words and long sentences. But if we take a closer look, we can see that it's actually quite simple.For example, instead of saying "we will pay you $100," it might say "the sum of $100 shall be paid to you." See? Same thing, just dressed up a little fancier.And then there's the structure of these contracts. They usually start with some fancy-sounding preamble, then go intothe main body where all the important stuff is, and end with some legal jargon about termination and disputes.But don't let all that scare you. Just remember, it's all just words on paper, meant to make sure everyone knows what they're agreeing to. So next time you see a business English contract, don't be intimidated. Just remember, it's all just a fancy way of saying "let's make a deal."篇4Title: Fun with Nominalization in Business English ContractsHey guys! Have you ever heard of something called nominalization in English? It’s a fancy word that means turning verbs or adjectives into nouns. Cool, right? Today, let’s talk about nominalization in business English contracts and how it makes them super official and professional!So, what exactly is nominalization? Let me break it down for you. Nominalization is when we change a verb or an adjective into a noun. For example, instead of saying “We will organize the meeting,” we can say “The organiz ation of the meeting is our responsibility.” See how we turned “organize” into “organization”? That’s nominalization in action!Now, let’s look at how nominalization is used in business English contracts. In contracts, we want to sound really official and legal, right? That’s where nominalization comes in handy. By turning verbs and adjectives into nouns, we make our contracts sound more formal and serious. It’s like putting on a suit and tie for your words!For example, instead of saying “We will p rovide marketing services,” a contract might say “The provision of marketing services is agreed upon by both parties.” See how much fancier and official that sounds? It’s all thanks to nominalization!Now, let’s talk about how nominalization affects th e overall language of a business English contract. By using lots of nouns instead of verbs and adjectives, contracts can become a bit hard to read and understand. But don’t worry, with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it!In conclusion, nominalization is a super cool way to make business English contracts sound official and professional. By turning verbs and adjectives into nouns, we can add a touch of formality to our words. So, next time you read a contract, keep an eye out for all those fancy nominalizations!That’s all for today, guys! Keep practicing your English and have fun with nominalization! See you next time!篇5Hello everyone, today let's talk about the nominalization structure in business English contracts and analyze their discourse features.First of all, let's understand what nominalization means. Nominalization is when verbs or adjectives are turned into nouns in a sentence. This is common in legal and business writing because it helps to make the language more formal and precise.For example, instead of saying "We will provide training to our employees", we can use nominalization and say "The provision of training to employees is required." In this sentence, "provision" is the noun form of the verb "provide".In business English contracts, nominalization is used to make the terms and conditions more clear and legally binding. It helps to avoid ambiguity and misunderstandings. For example, terms like "the delivery of goods", "the payment of fees", and "the termination of the agreement" are all nominalized expressions commonly found in contracts.Moreover, nominalization also plays a crucial role in structuring the discourse of a contract. It helps to organize the information in a logical and systematic way, making it easier forall parties involved to understand their rights and responsibilities.In conclusion, nominalization is a key aspect of business English contracts. It helps to make the language more formal, precise, and legally binding. By using nominalization effectively, parties can ensure that their agreements are clear, unambiguous, and enforceable.篇6Title: Let's Explore the Fancy Language in Business English Contracts!Hey everyone, today we're going to talk about something super cool - the fancy language used in business English contracts! Yeah, you heard me right, contracts can actually be pretty interesting if you know where to look.First off, let's talk about this thing called "nominalization". I know, it sounds like a big word, but it's actually not that complicated. Nominalization is basically when you take a verb and turn it into a noun. For example, instead of saying "make a decision", you could say "the decision-making process". See, easy peasy!Now, let's look at how nominalization is used in business English contracts. It's actually super common! Companies like to use fancy language to make themselves sound more official and important. For example, instead of saying "we will pay you", they might say "payment will be made". Sounds fancy, right?But wait, there's more! Nominalization isn't just about making things sound fancy, it also helps to make contracts more clear and concise. By using nouns instead of verbs, contracts can avoid confusion and make sure everyone knows exactly what they're agreeing to.In conclusion, nominalization is a fancy but super useful tool in business English contracts. So next time you're reading a contract, keep an eye out for all those nouns and impress your friends with your new knowledge!That's all for today, folks! Stay tuned for more fun facts about the wonderful world of business English. Bye for now!篇7Once upon a time, in the magical world of business English, there existed a special structure called "nominalization". Nominalization is a fancy word that means turning verbs oradjectives into nouns. It's like turning a superhero into a superheroine!In business English, nominalization is everywhere. It helps make contracts sound more official and professional. For example, instead of saying "We agree to pay you $1000", you could say "The agreement includes a payment of $1000." See how the verb "pay" became the noun "payment"? It's like magic!But why do we use nominalization in business English? Well, it makes the language more formal and concise. Instead of using long, complicated sentences, we can just use nouns to get our point across. It's like writing with a magic wand - quick and powerful!Now, let's take a look at how nominalization is used in a typical business contract. Imagine a contract between two companies, Magic Inc. and Spellbound Co. Here's a sneak peek at a clause in their contract:"The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that any disputes arising from this agreement shall be resolved through arbitration."Wow, that sounds so official and important, right? But if we take away the nominalizations, it would sound like this:"The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that if there are any arguments about this agreement, they will be settled through arbitration."See how nominalization makes the language more concise and powerful? It's like adding a sprinkle of magic dust to your writing!In conclusion, nominalization is a key element in business English that helps make contracts sound official and professional. So next time you're reading a contract, keep an eye out for those magical nouns that make everything sound so impressive!篇8Once upon a time, there were two business partners, Lily and Tom. They wanted to sign a contract for their new business venture, but they realized that they needed to understand the nominalization structures in business English contracts first.Lily and Tom did some research and found out that nominalization is the process of changing verbs into nouns. This is commonly used in legal and business documents to make sentences more formal and professional. For example, instead of saying "We will provide a service," you can say "The provision of a service will be made."After learning about nominalization, Lily and Tom decided to analyze a sample business contract to see how it was used. They found that the contract was full of complex nominalization structures, such as "the execution of this agreement" and "the indemnification of losses." They also noticed that nominalization helped to make the contract more concise and clear.Armed with their new knowledge, Lily and Tom were able to negotiate and sign their contract with confidence. They knew that understanding nominalization structures was key to communicating effectively in the world of business. And with their contract signed, Lily and Tom's business venture was off to a successful start.In conclusion, nominalization structures play a crucial role in business English contracts. By mastering these structures, you can enhance your communication skills and navigate the complex world of business with ease. So remember, when it comes to business contracts, nominalization is your friend!篇9Hey guys, today I'm gonna talk to you about something super important in business English – nominalization in contractsand its discourse analysis. Sounds fancy, right? But don't worry, I'll break it down for you in simple terms!Nominalization is when we turn a verb or an adjective into a noun. It makes our sentences sound more formal and professional. In contracts, nominalization is super common because it helps make things clear and precise. For example, instead of saying "we will deliver the goods on time," we can say "timely delivery of the goods will be ensured."Now, let's talk about discourse analysis. This just means looking at how language is used in a particular context, like contracts. In contracts, language is super important because it's legally binding – that means we have to be very careful about what we say. Discourse analysis helps us understand how language is used to achieve certain goals, like making sure both parties understand their rights and responsibilities.So, when we analyze a contract, we look at things like the use of passive voice, complex sentence structures, and of course, nominalization. These elements help make the contract more formal and precise. They also help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone knows exactly what they're agreeing to.In conclusion, nominalization in contracts is super important for making things clear and precise. And discourse analysis helpsus understand how language is used in contracts to achieve specific goals. So next time you see a contract, remember to look out for those fancy nominalizations – they're there to make sure everyone's on the same page!That’s it for today, guys. Thanks for listening!篇10Once upon a time, there was this thing called a "business contract." It's like a special promise between grown-ups when they want to do business together. But do you know what's really cool about business contracts? They have something called "nominalization structures." Sounds like a big and fancy word, right? But don't worry, I'll explain it in a super easy way!Nominalization structures are when we turn a verb into a noun. So, instead of saying "agree," we can say "agreement." Cool, right? It makes the contract sound more official and serious. Like when we say "payment" instead of "pay," or "delivery" instead of "deliver." It's like giving the contract superpowers!But why do grown-ups use nominalization structures in business contracts? Well, it's because it makes everything sound more professional and important. It's like adding sprinkles on top of our ice cream – it just makes it better!Now, let's talk about how nominalization structures can help us understand a business contract better. When we see words like "resolution" or "confirmation," we know that something important is happening. It's like a clue that tells us to pay attention. And when we see words like "termination" or "breach," we know that something not-so-good is happening. It's like a warning sign that tells us to be careful.So, the next time you see a business contract, remember to look out for those cool nominalization structures. They make everything sound super fancy and important. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be using them too when you're all grown up and doing business with your friends!。

中国自改革开放以来，特别是加入世界贸易组织后，中国与各贸易组织、跨国企业之间的交流日益频繁，商务合同的应用也越来越普遍。

商务合同作为有关当事人在商务活动中达成最终共识后签署的法律性文件，确定了各自的权利和义务，具有很强的约束力，因此商务合同的文体具有明显的意义和特征。

而商务英语合同是涉及法律和语言要素的一种特殊文体，不仅具有商务合同的一般性质，还具有商务英语语体的特点。

所以比较显著的是，名词化结构在商务英语合同中广泛应用并且扮演了重要角色。

本文将以商务英语合同为例，在语法隐喻理论的指导下，对名词化结构的类型及其语篇功能进行着重分析。

1研究现状从某种程度来说，对名词化的研究最早起源于古希腊时期的柏拉图和亚里士多德。

他们虽然没有给出名词化的确切定义，却把词分为两类：名词类和动词类，甚至提到了两种词类之间的转换。

之后，各国语言学流派对名词化现象产生了浓厚的兴趣，一系列相应的研究也得以开展。

Jespersen （1937）是最早将名词化研究纳入语法框架的学者。

他在《分析句法》中把名词化称为“主谓实体词”，并从词的形式、功能和意义把名词化分为动词性和谓词性两类。

他对于名词化的划分及分类给后续学者研究语言中词类的转换现象带来了很大的启发。

以Chomsky （1968）为代表的形式主义语言学家们，将转换生成的思想运用于语言研究并对名词化作出了比较明确的分类。

相比之下，以Halliday （1985）、Martin （1992）为代表的系统功能语法派对名词化的研究更为全面深入。

他们把语言看作是一个多层次的系统，这一系统至少包括三个层次：语义层、词汇语法层和音系层（杨小虎、王君、吴雅凤，2004）。

各个层次之间从上到下存在着义层、词汇语法层和音系层。

Halliday （1985）将词汇语法层对语义层的体现方式分为字面式（一致式）和隐喻式（非一致式）。

语言对某一现象的发生进行表达时涉及过程本身、过程中的参与者和与过程相关的环境成分。

名词化隐喻在商务合同中的作用作者：孙雁来源：《读写算》2014年第40期【摘要】根据韩礼德的系统功能语言学理论，名词化隐喻是语言在使用过程中，语义和语法范畴间的一种非一致体现，是一种简洁间接体现说话者意愿的语言形式，符合现代商务合同文件中对语言严谨规范的要求。

【关键词】名词化语法隐喻商务合同1. 名词化及语法隐喻《现代语言学词典》中对名词化的定义是“指从其他某个词类形成名词的过程或指从一个底层小句得出一个名词短语的派生过程”（戴维？克里斯特尔，2000：240）Trauth&Kazzazi （2000.327-8）认为名词化是指名词从其他词类的派生，例如动词派生的名词（marketing，construction， and revolution），或形容词派生的名词（cleverness， whiteness， and possibility）。

总之，名词化可以被理解为一个派生转化的过程，结果是名词或名词词组的产生。

系统功能语言学派认为语言是由语义层，词汇层和音系层等构成的多层系统，其中语义层体现复杂多变的现实语境，同时又由词汇层体现出来。

词汇和语义之间的体现和被体现的关系又大致分为两种：一致关系体现和非一致关系体现。

一致关系体现即词汇和语义之间的直接自然体现，也就是动词，名词，形容词和连词分别体现过程，参加者，特征，时间或结果等逻辑关系；非一致关系指的是词汇和语义之间的非自然体现，即名词或名词词组也可以体现过程和特征，逻辑关系等，学者们把词汇和语义之间的非一致体现称为隐喻体现，把由名词词组隐喻体现语义的非一致体现称为名词化隐喻。

2. 英语商务合同的语言特点商务合同是有关各方之间在进行某种商务合作时，为了确定各自的权利和义务而正式订立的、并且经过公证的、必须共同遵守的协议条文。

随着世界经济的发展，现代商务合同一般会使用国际语言英语签订，本文只讨论英语商务合同中的语言使用特点。

由于商务合同是一种具有法律效力的正式文书，其所使用的语言也应该体现其法律严肃感，因此要求用词正式；一份商务合同必须全面规定合同各方在进行经济活动过程中的具体义务和权利，因此合同中所使用的语言必须用词简洁严密；另外，近现代合同观念可以追溯到17世纪，现代商务合同在长期具体经济实践过程中形成了特有的格式化结构和表达方式。

第8卷第7期2010年7月淮海工学院学报(社会科学版・学术论坛)Journal of Huaihai Institute of Technology (Academic Forum ,Social Science Edition )Vol.8　No.7J uly 2010 DOI :10.3969/j.issn.100823499.2010.07.024商务英语信函中的名词化语法隐喻阐释戴丽琼(常州工学院外国语学院,江苏常州　213001)摘　要:语法隐喻理论从英语语法层面分析语言的隐喻化现象,为隐喻研究开辟了一个新的视角。

名词化隐喻是构建语法隐喻的最有力手段,它使动词或形容词转换为名词形式,并具有双重语义特征。

名词化隐喻在商务英语信函中发挥着重要作用,使信函更加简洁、正式、客观,衔接更加连贯合理。

掌握名词化隐喻有助于对商务英语语篇的理解、分析和应用。

关键词:商务英语;信函;语法隐喻;名词化中图分类号:H314 文献标识码:A 文章编号:100823499(2010)0720081204 商务英语是一种专门用途英语,广泛用于商务活动、商务交流与商务信函中,具有正式性、严肃性和客观性的特点。

与普通用途英语相比,商务英语的书面语具有独特的词汇和句法特征,其中一大特征就是使用名词化语法隐喻。

语法隐喻这一概念是由系统功能语言学派的创始人韩礼德(Halliday )提出的,它把原来修辞学的隐喻概念运用到语言研究中去,为隐喻研究开辟了一个新的视角。

语法隐喻分为概念隐喻和人际隐喻,概念隐喻中的名词化隐喻是构建语法隐喻的最有力手段[1]352。

名词化隐喻多用于正式文体,因此大量存在于商务英语信函中,在信函语篇构建中起着重要的作用。

本文将对商务英语信函中的名词化语法隐喻现象及其所具有的语篇功能进行具体阐释,旨在探究名词化隐喻的语言特点,以及其在语篇构建中的功能。

一、语法隐喻和名词化语法隐喻(Grammatical Metap ho r )是韩礼德在1985年出版的《功能语言学导论》(An Int roductio n to Functio nal Grammar )中首次提出的。

名词化隐喻在商务英语信函中的语篇交际功能分析作者：陈秀兰来源：《商场现代化》2011年第23期［摘要］商务英语信函作为商务英语的一种重要语篇文体形式，为了实现其交际目的，常有意识地使用名词化语法隐喻结构。

本文首先扼要介绍系统功能语言学理论下的名词化隐喻研究及名词化隐喻的语义特征，然后重点分析名词化隐喻在商务英语信函中的语篇交际功能。

［关键词］名词化语法隐喻商务英语信函语义特征交际商务英语信函是专门用途商务英语语体中的一种语篇类型，是以服务商务活动为目标，集实用性、专业性和明确的目的性于一身，为广大从事国际商务活动的人们所认同和接受，并具备较强社会人际功能的一种英语文体。

作为商务交往的一种重要语篇形式，商务英语信函具有独特的文体特征，其中名词化隐喻常被灵活地运用来突出其特定的语篇风格，实现其特定的交际功能。

在国际商务活动日趋频繁的今天，从事商务英语信函写作的人士熟知如何灵活运用名词化隐喻以达到商务活动目标是十分必要的。

一、系统功能语言学理论下的名词化隐喻研究名词化又作名物化，是指小句的任何一个成分转换为具有名词或名词词组句法功能的语言单位的过程。

Halliday将语法隐喻分为概念隐喻(ideational metaphor)和人际隐喻(interpersonal metaphor)，并且认为名词化发挥着语言元功能中的“概念功能”，是创造概念语法隐喻的最有力的方式。

有些功能语言学者认为，语法隐喻还应包括语篇隐喻。

系统功能主义对名词化研究的出发点是将其视为一种语法隐喻，即发生在词汇语法层面的隐喻化过程。

除了在词汇语法层的小句范围内研究名词化现象，功能主义还从语境、交际功能等角度出发，将名词化与语篇组织、语言风格、语式语类等研究联系起来，对名词化现象作了系统深入的阐释。

Matthiessen在他的研究中指出，除了通常所说的用动词体现的“过程”，以及用形容词体现的“特征”的名词化外，小句的情态等也可以被名词化，这样就把名词化从概念语法隐喻扩展到了人际语法隐喻。