Nominalization

Definition

Nominalization is when a writer or speaker turns a verb or an adjective into a noun Generally, nominalizations do not lend themselves to clear, effective writting. Instead, they tend to create awkward overly wordy sentences. Some circumstances do warrant writing in the passive voice, which often uses nominalizations. However, writers need to carefully consider their intended purpose and audience when using nominalizations.

Examples

applicable -- applicability
careless -- carelessness
difficult -- difficulty
fail -- failure
intense -- intensity
investigate -- investigation
move -- movement
react -- reaction
refuse -- refusal
swim -- swiming

Poorly used nominalizations

Poorly written sentences using nominalizations are provided below. Each example is followed by a corrected sentence written without the nominalization.

Nominalization follows verb

The police are conducting an investigation into the matter. The police are investigating the matter.

In this case, the verb stands on its own without the nominalization.

Nominalization follows `there is'.

There was great damage to the cities and towns of Louisiana and Mississippi from Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Katrina greatly damaged cities and towns in Louisiana and Mississippi.

The introductory "there was" creates a hesitant opening phrase.

Nominalization is subject of empty verb.

Our discussion concerned her grades this semester. We discussed her grades this semester.

The noun form of discussion is certainly useful when it is the object of the sentence. 
However, the object in this sentence is her grades.'

Consecutive nominalizations'

There was an a review of the investigation. First, she reviewed the investigation into the crime syndicate. First, she reviewed how the dorsal fin evolved.

Linked nominalizations

Their election loss was because of their weak, confusing platform. They lost the election because their platform was not clear and compelling.

The word 'because' is already a varient of 'be'; any additional "to be" is a yellow flag. 
When you see the yellow flag, try rewriting the sentence.  
The rewrite above uses a compound sentence to show a cause and an effect.

Useful Nominalizations.

Not all nominalizations are bad! Certainly, there are times when using nominalizations will vary and clarify your meaning.

Nominalization is a subject referring to a previous sentence.

These arguments all depend on a single, unproven claim. This decision can lead to costly consequences.

The nominalization names what would be the object of its verb.

I do not understand either her meaning or his intentions. I do not understand either what she meant or what he intends.

In this example, the writer actually confuses the reader by trying to compact the two noun/verb phrases into one.

To replace the awkward phrase, 'The fact that'.

The fact that I maintained my composure impressed the interview panel. My ability to maintain my composure impressed the interview panel.

 The use of the nominalization in this acceptable. However the next sentence without the nominalization is still better.

When I maintained my composure, I impressed the interview panel.

Referring to an often repeated concept.

Few things have so divided Americans as the recent presidential election.