EU Clear English Tips for Translators – Prefer a gerund to an abstract noun

• Change > to
• the preservation of public health > preserving public health
• by the introduction of a speed limit > by introducing a speed limit
• the cost of the provision of a service > the cost of providing a service
• through the acquisition of new skills > by acquiring new skills

Note that the gerund makes a noun phrase from an entire clause, not just a verb.

• the taking of a decision > taking a decision
• the building of an area of justice > building an area of justice

Thus, a simple gerund can often replace a pair of abstract nouns.

• the submission of an application for a job > applying for a job
• the development of a design for a project > designing a project

Source: DGT, European Commission