Is a verbal noun the same as a gerund?

They are closely related. A gerund (an '-ing' form functioning as a noun) is a type of verbal noun. However, 'verbal noun' is a broader category that also includes nouns like 'arrival' (from arrive) or 'refusal' (from refuse).

Can a verbal noun have an object?

Yes, one of the key features of a verbal noun (especially a gerund) is that it can retain verbal properties, such as taking a direct object. For example: 'Reading books is enjoyable' ('books' is the object of the verbal noun 'reading').

Why is the term 'verbal noun' important for learners?

It helps learners understand how verbs can be turned into nouns to express actions or processes, which is crucial for academic and formal writing where nominalization is common.

Are all '-ing' nouns verbal nouns?

Most are, but some '-ing' forms have become fully lexicalized as ordinary nouns with no strong verbal feel (e.g., 'a building', 'a painting', 'a meeting'). These are often called 'gerundial nouns' or simply deverbal nouns.

verbal noun

UK/ˌvɜː.bəl ˈnaʊn/US/ˌvɝː.bəl ˈnaʊn/

academic/technical

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Definition

Meaning

A noun formed from a verb and denoting an action, process, or state.

A grammatical category, specifically a gerund or gerundial noun, which functions syntactically as a noun while retaining verbal characteristics, such as being able to take an object or be modified by an adverb.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Often overlaps with 'gerund' in English grammar. Distinction: a 'gerund' is a verb form ending in '-ing' used as a noun (e.g., 'Swimming is fun'), while 'verbal noun' is a broader term encompassing any noun derived from a verb (e.g., 'arrival', 'destruction', 'laughing').

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Terminology is the same, but frequency of use differs. More common in UK academic grammars; US grammars often prefer 'gerund' for '-ing' forms.

Connotations

In both, carries a technical, linguistic or formal grammatical connotation.

Frequency

Higher frequency in British linguistic and traditional grammar texts.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

form a verbal nounfunction as a verbal nounuse a verbal noungerund and verbal noun

medium

define the verbal nounexample of a verbal noundistinguish a verbal noun

weak

common verbal nounEnglish verbal nounverbal noun phrase

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[VERB] + -ing[VERB] + -tion/-ment/-al/-ancethe [VERB]ing of [OBJECT]

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

gerundial nounaction noun

Neutral

gerund (for -ing forms)deverbal noun

Weak

-ing form (as noun)nominalized verb

Vocabulary

Antonyms

non-derived nounsimple nounconcrete nounproper noun

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None specific to the term.”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Rarely used.

Academic

Common in linguistics, grammar, and language-teaching contexts.

Everyday

Virtually never used.

Technical

The primary domain of use, in grammatical analysis.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

The linguist sought to verbalise the underlying process.
Can you verbalise that concept?

American English

The linguist sought to verbalize the underlying process.
Can you verbalize that concept?

adverb

British English

He answered verbally, not in writing.
The instructions were given verbally.

American English

He answered verbally, not in writing.
The instructions were given verbally.

adjective

British English

She gave a verbal description of the scene.
They reached a verbal agreement.

American English

She gave a verbal description of the scene.
They reached a verbal agreement.

Examples

By CEFR Level

'Running' is good for you. 'Running' is a verbal noun.
'Singing' makes her happy.

In the sentence 'I enjoy reading books', 'reading' is a verbal noun.
His constant complaining is annoying.

The verbal noun 'destruction' comes from the verb 'destroy'.
Analysing the use of verbal nouns can improve your writing style.

The ambiguity arises from the '-ing' form functioning ambiguously as a present participle or a verbal noun.
Some languages have a more distinct morphological marker for the verbal noun than English does.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think VERB + AL (adjective) + NOUN = a noun that comes from a verb.

Conceptual Metaphor

LANGUAGE AS A TOOL (a specialized tool for dissecting grammar).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Direct translation might incorrectly suggest 'глагольное существительное', which is not a standard Russian grammatical term. Russian uses 'отглагольное существительное' or more specific terms like 'герундий' (gerund) or 'деепричастие' (verbal adverb/converb).
Confusion between English '-ing' forms (which can be a participle, gerund, or verbal noun) and Russian verbal adverbs or gerunds.

Common Mistakes

Using 'verbal noun' interchangeably with 'gerund' without noting the subtle distinctions.
Capitalizing the term as a proper noun.
Confusing it with a participle.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In the phrase 'the quick baking of the cake', the word 'baking' is a .

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a verbal noun?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: They are closely related. A gerund (an '-ing' form functioning as a noun) is a type of verbal noun. However, 'verbal noun' is a broader category that also includes nouns like 'arrival' (from arrive) or 'refusal' (from refuse).
: Yes, one of the key features of a verbal noun (especially a gerund) is that it can retain verbal properties, such as taking a direct object. For example: 'Reading books is enjoyable' ('books' is the object of the verbal noun 'reading').
: It helps learners understand how verbs can be turned into nouns to express actions or processes, which is crucial for academic and formal writing where nominalization is common.
: Most are, but some '-ing' forms have become fully lexicalized as ordinary nouns with no strong verbal feel (e.g., 'a building', 'a painting', 'a meeting'). These are often called 'gerundial nouns' or simply deverbal nouns.