Based on extensive and diverse material from seventy languages, and covering a range of previously undiscussed problems, Nominalizationsprovides a thorough analysis of how nominalization types interact with other structural features. It focuses on action nominal constructions and, in particular, the comparison of their syntactic theories. Supported by rich empirical material and illustrated with examples from all the sample languages, the book provides a detailed basis for constructing a typology of derived constructions and for presenting cross-linguistic comparisons. The author's research findings show that no language has syntactic means which are exclusively used in action nominal constructions, giving support to the view that constructions which appear later in language acquisition and development are modelled, as far as possible, on already existing constructions. Nominalizationsalso contains a detailed discussion of related phenomena, such as subordination and finiteness across languages. Demonstrating the complexity of the relations between noun, verb and intermediate categories, the results of the book have important implications for the study of parts of speech. This book will be invaluable for typologists and for linguists working on morphology and syntax.