English Nominal Constructions

J. D. Gallagher's treatment of Eng nominal constructions (ENCs) (see LLBA 21/1, 8700537) is supplemented with some observations from the viewpoint of a technical translator. Gallagher's list of abstract Ns used in ENCs is extended, whereas the Ns lighting & heating are excluded from the list. Gallagher's example lighting is by kerosene, heating by wood stove is reanalyzed, & it is argued that the Ns lighting & heating are not abstract Ns but verbal substantives derived from the transitive Vs to light & to heat, respectively. The abstract Ns are light & heat & with these forms nominal constructions of the type under investigation are not possible. Gallagher's example is reformulated: lighting is provided by kerosene, heating is provided by wood stove. Z. Dubiel