Nominalization is a process by which either a noun or a noun phrase is derived from a predicative category. These derived nouns or noun phrases are called nominalized expressions. For example:
| 1. | a. | 指揮過樂隊 (verb) |
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| zhǐhuīguo yuèduì |
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| conduct-exp orchestra |
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| ‘has conducted an orchestra’ |
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| a’. | 樂隊的指揮 (nominalized) |
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| yuèduì de zhǐhuī |
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| orchestra sub conductor |
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| ‘the orchestra’s conductor’ |
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| b. | 農民在賣菜。 (verb) |
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| Nóngmín zài mài cài. |
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| farmer prog sell vegetable |
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| ‘The farmer is selling vegetables.’ |
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| b’. | 賣菜的走了。 (nominalized) |
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| Mài cài … |