Definition

1. Noun:
   • A noun derived from a verb: A "verbal noun" is a type of noun that is formed from a verb and retains some verb-like qualities, such as being able to take an object, while functioning grammatically as a noun within a sentence.

Usage

• The verbal noun, often ending in , names the action or state of the verb from which it is derived.
• It can be used as the subject or object of a verb, or after a preposition.
• Unlike a gerund, which is a specific type of verbal noun, the term "verbal noun" can sometimes refer more broadly to any noun formed from a verb, including infinitives used nominally in some linguistic analyses.

Examples

• As Subject:

  • Swimming is excellent exercise. (The verbal noun "swimming" is the subject of the sentence.)
  • His constant complaining annoys everyone. (The verbal noun phrase "his constant complaining" is the subject.)

• As Object:

  • I enjoy reading. (The verbal noun "reading" is the direct object of the verb "enjoy".)
  • They discussed building a new library. (The verbal noun phrase "building a new library" is the object of "discussed".)

• After a Preposition:

  • She is afraid of flying. (The verbal noun "flying" is the object of the preposition "of".)
  • He left without saying goodbye. (The verbal noun phrase "saying goodbye" is the object of the preposition "without".)

Advanced Usage

• Distinction from Gerund: In traditional grammar, a gerund is a verbal noun ending in . In some modern linguistic frameworks, "verbal noun" and "gerund" are used interchangeably, while others distinguish them based on how many verb-like properties (e.g., taking a direct object, being modified by an adverb) they retain.
  • Example of a verbal noun/gerund with an object: Writing novels requires patience. ("Novels" is the direct object of the verbal noun "writing".)

Variants and Related Words

• Gerund: A noun formed from a verb by adding , functioning identically to a verbal noun in English. The terms are often synonymous.
• Infinitive (used nominally): The base form of a verb preceded by "to" can function as a noun, similar to a verbal noun.
  • To err is human. (The infinitive "to err" acts as the subject.)
• Action noun: A more general term for a noun that denotes an action or process, which may or may not be derived from a verb (e.g., "decision" from "decide", "movement" from "move").

Synonyms

• Gerund (in many contexts)
• -ing form (when used nominally)
• Deverbal noun

Related Phrases / Constructions

• Possessive with verbal noun: A formal construction where the performer of the action is indicated by a possessive pronoun or noun.
  • We appreciated his helping us. (More formal than "We appreciated him helping us.")
• Complex verbal noun phrase: A phrase where the verbal noun is modified or has complements.
  • The rapid melting of the ice caps is a concern. ("Melting" is the verbal noun, modified by "the rapid" and followed by the prepositional phrase "of the ice caps".)

Noun

1. a noun that is derived from a verb