Application of Nominalization in English Business Letter

Abstract

Nominalization is frequently used in business letter, and it is also one of the most important stylistic features of business English letters. In international business activity, using nominalization makes business letter more formal and objective, and it improves the efficiency of business activities and has a great influence on international business activity. At the same time, nominalization in business letter is beneficial for the communication of international business activities. This thesis analyzes the application of nominalization in English business letter, and attaches importance on the phenomena and features of nominalization in business English letters and the function of nominalization.

 In accordance with Halliday's theory of the grammatical metaphor, this paper discusses the importance of nominalization in business letter. It is divided into four parts. The first part introduces the concept of nominalization and the status quo of nominalization in business letters. The second part illustrates structural features and lexical features of nominalization. The third part analyzes the three different forms of nominalizations in business letter. The last part analyzes the functions of nominalization in business letter, which strengths the formality, objectiveness and politeness of business letter. In this paper, the application of nominalization in business English letters interprets its functions and effects on international business activity.

Key words: nominalization; English business letter; grammatical metaphor