A nominalization is any member of a class of
nouns that really describe
processes. That is to say, that a nominalization is a
verb that has been
erroneously
turned into a noun. The use of
E-Prime and
operational definitions are both ways to avoid using nominalizations incorrectly, as nominalizations are merely
Aristotelian fallacies that in fact serve as examples of
theology and
demonology.
Testing for nominalizations:
Can I put X into a dumpster? - If not, then you're dealing with a nominalization. *
Can I define X using verbs rather than the "is of identity?"
Examples of Nominalizations:
We went for a drive.
What are your thoughts on the matter?
The mind is embedded in the brain.
That is a very abstract concept.
She has a bad cough.
* Of course there are those who say that all nouns are nominalizations. And those who say that "the gerund and the participle are necessities in a nominal (rather than ergative) language!"
See also: Thought Loop, Quantum Psychology, General Semantics, Reification, Simulacrum, Nominal.