What Are Verbal Nouns and How Are They Constructed?
If you’ve ever encountered words like running, development, or decision, you’ve seen verbal nouns in action! Verbal nouns are a fascinating aspect of English grammar, as they combine the essence of an action (from verbs) with the grammatical function of a noun. Let’s dive into what verbal nouns are, how they’re formed, and some common examples to help you master this concept.
What Is a Verbal Noun?
A verbal noun is a noun that originates from a verb. While it retains the meaning of the verb—expressing an action, state, or result—it functions solely as a noun in a sentence. Verbal nouns do not act as verbs and cannot take subjects, objects, or show tense. Instead, they take on roles such as subject, object, or complement within a sentence.
For example:
- Swimming is a great form of exercise.
(Here, swimming acts as the subject, not the verb.) - His decision to leave surprised everyone.
(The word decision comes from the verb decide but acts as a noun.)
How Are Verbal Nouns Formed?
Verbal nouns can be constructed in various ways. Below are the most common methods used in English:
1. Adding the Suffix -ing (Gerunds)
One of the most common forms of verbal nouns is the gerund. To form a gerund, simply add -ing to the base form of a verb.
- Run → Running
- Write → Writing
- Swim → Swimming
Examples in sentences:
- Running is my favorite way to relax.
- She loves writing in her journal.
- Swimming every morning helps her stay healthy.
Note: Gerunds sometimes behave like nouns but retain certain “verb-like” qualities, such as the ability to take objects. For instance:
- I enjoy reading books.
- In this case, “books” is the object of the gerund “reading.”
2. Using the Infinitive Form (To + Verb)
Another way to create a verbal noun is to use the infinitive form of the verb, typically beginning with to.
- To run → as a noun: To run is exhilarating.
- To learn → as a noun: To learn a new skill takes time.
Examples in sentences:
- To succeed requires hard work.
- To forgive can be difficult but rewarding.
This form is more common in formal or philosophical writing.
3. Adding Specific Suffixes to Create Derived Nouns
In many cases, verbal nouns are formed by adding specific suffixes to the base verb. These nouns are often used in academic, professional, or formal contexts. Some of the most common suffixes include:
- -tion/-sion:
- Inform → Information
- Decide → Decision
- Conclude → Conclusion
- -ment:
- Develop → Development
- Punish → Punishment
- -ance/-ence:
- Perform → Performance
- Persist → Persistence
Examples in sentences:
- The information provided was extremely helpful.
- Her decision to leave the company was unexpected.
- Hard work leads to success, but persistence ensures it lasts.
4. Irregular or Unique Forms
Some verbal nouns have irregular forms that don’t follow predictable patterns. These nouns often appear in everyday English and must be memorized individually.
- Speak → Speech
- Die → Death
- Choose → Choice
Examples in sentences:
- His speech was inspiring.
- The death of the character shocked the audience.
- Her choice to study abroad changed her life.
Key Differences Between Verbal Nouns and Other Verb Forms
While verbal nouns look like verbs in some ways, they function very differently:
| Feature | Verbal Noun | Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Role in the sentence | Acts as a noun (subject, object, etc.) | Acts as the main verb |
| Tense | No tense | Shows tense (past, present, future) |
| Takes objects | Rarely (except gerunds) | Can take direct or indirect objects |
Why Are Verbal Nouns Important?
Understanding verbal nouns can help you:
- Expand your vocabulary: Many academic and professional terms are verbal nouns (e.g., agreement, analysis, development).
- Write better sentences: Verbal nouns add variety and sophistication to your writing.
- Identify grammatical structures: Recognizing verbal nouns can improve your reading comprehension and grammar skills.
Conclusion
Verbal nouns are a versatile part of the English language that allow us to turn actions into ideas. Whether you’re using gerunds, infinitives, or suffix-derived nouns, understanding how to form and use verbal nouns will elevate your English skills. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll recognize and use verbal nouns like a pro!
Have questions about verbal nouns or other grammar topics? Leave a comment below!