Verbal Nouns

For Intermediate learners

Sometimes we can change a verb and make it into a noun. One of the most common ways of doing this is adding the suffix -ing. Let's see what verbal nouns are!

What Are Verbal Nouns?

A verbal noun is a noun that is derived from a verb, but does not function as a verb. Verbal nouns can be pluralized, and they can be used after determiners and adjectives.

Verbal nouns can have plural forms. They can also come after determiners and adjectives.

Structure

Verbal nouns are often formed by adding a suffix , commonly -ing, to the base form of a verb.

verb	verbal nouns
Cook	cooking
Repeat	repetition
Refuse	refusal
Decide	decision
Sail	sailing

Tip!

A verbal noun that is formed by adding '-ing' to a verb is also called a gerund.

How to Use Verbal Nouns

Like other nouns, verbal nouns can serve a variety of grammatical functions. Here are a few common functions of verbal nouns:

Cooking is fun. (Subject)

I love cooking. (Object)

Please accept my compliments on cooking. (Object of preposition)

One of my hobbies is cooking. (Subject complement)

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What Are Verbal Nouns?
Structure
How to Use Verbal Nouns

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