What is a Verbal Noun?
Definition, Gerunds vs. Verbal Nouns, Rules & Word Lists
A verbal noun is a noun derived from a verb (often ending in -ing, -ment, or -tion) that behaves completely as a noun without retaining verbal qualities like taking a direct object (e.g., the building of the bridge, the decision).
While verbal nouns originate from action roots, they take on complete nominal characteristics they can take determiners, be modified by adjectives, and pluralize. Discover the structural distinctions between verbal nouns and gerunds, and learn when each best serves your sentence clarity.
• Table of Contents
• Understanding Verbal Nouns
Verbal nouns are fascinating hybrids. They begin their lives as action verbs, but through the addition of suffixes such as "-ing" or "-tion" they convert entirely into nouns, stripped of their ability to take direct objects.
Here are three primary ways verbs transform into nouns in the English language:
The "-ing" Transformation
By adding "-ing", a verb becomes a noun representing the action itself. Note: When acting purely as a noun, it takes determiners (the, a).
Derived Suffixes
Verbs often take suffixes like -tion, -al, or -ment (e.g., decide → decision, arrive → arrival).
Zero-Derivation
Sometimes a verb requires no spelling changes at all to become a noun. Context dictates its role. (e.g., "to run" vs "a run").
• See it in Context
Using a verbal noun allows you to summarize a complex process or event into a single grammatical subject. Describing "the building of the house" turns a lengthy action into a unified concept you can discuss objectively.
• Types of Verbal Nouns
While some verbal nouns end in "-ing" and look suspiciously like gerunds, others utilize suffixes like "-ment" or "-al" to complete their transformation from a verb into a solid noun.
Gerundial Verbal Nouns (-ing)
Nouns ending in -ing that refer to an action but behave entirely like nouns.
- The building of the bridge took years.
- Her sudden screaming shocked us.
Suffix-Derived Verbal Nouns
Verbs modified with endings like -tion, -ment, -al, -ance to become nouns.
- The company made a final decision .
- We awaited the train's arrival .
Zero-Derivation Nouns
Words that are identical in spelling to their verb form, but act entirely as nouns.
- I need to go for a run .
- Let's take a walk .
Infinitives as Nouns
The base form of a verb preceded by "to", functioning as a subject or object concept.
- To forgive is divine.
- She loves to read .
• Noun Roles in a Sentence
Because verbal nouns have officially crossed over into the "noun" category, they can perform all the traditional jobs of a noun. They act as subjects, direct objects, and objects of a preposition.
Subject
The main focus of the sentence. The verbal noun is what the sentence is about.
Direct Object
The receiver of the action. This answers "what" the subject is acting upon.
Object of a Preposition
Completes a prepositional phrase, linking it to the rest of the sentence.
• The Great Debate: Gerund vs. Verbal Noun
Many people confuse gerunds and verbal nouns because both often end in -ing. While both are formed from verbs, a gerund retains its "verb-like" superpowers (it can take an object), whereas a verbal noun has fully committed to being a noun. Here is how you tell them apart:
Takes Determiners & Plurals
Because verbal nouns act entirely like nouns, they can take determiners ("the", "a") and be pluralized.
Modified by Adjectives
Verbal nouns are described by adjectives, not adverbs. (e.g., "His quick reading", NOT "His quickly reading").
Requires Prepositions
Unlike a gerund, a verbal noun cannot directly take an object. It must use a preposition like "of".
• Top 50 Most Common Verbal Nouns
You now have the theory down. Let's look at the data. These top 50 verbal nouns represent core human actions transitioned into tangible concepts. Master identifying these, and you'll drastically improve your structural comprehension.
• Browse Verbal Nouns by Letter
Ready to expand beyond the basics? Sometimes you need that one perfect, highly specific naming word to make a sentence pop. Dive into our comprehensive directory of over 50,000 nouns, neatly organized from A to Z. Whether you're writing a novel, building a game, or just curious, simply click a letter to find exactly what you're looking for.
• Verbal Noun Finder & Search Tool
If browsing isn't fast enough, we've got you covered. Use our advanced noun finder tool to hunt down nouns by category, starting or ending letters, and specific word lengths. It's the ultimate tool for writers and word-game enthusiasts alike.
• Test Yourself: Find the Verbal Nouns
You've read the guide, and you've seen the examples. Now, it's time to put your newfound knowledge to the test! Tap or click the verbal noun in each sentence below to see how sharp your grammar skills have become.