In the English language, many verbs can be easily transformed into nouns by adding suffixes. Some can also be converted into a noun based on the context of a sentence. Sometimes using the noun of a verb could sound convoluted and result in complex technicalities. Use your discretion in these cases, so that your writing is always clear and concise. While it may seem a little difficult to transform words, especially if you are not a native speaker, don't be discouraged. With some time and patience you will be able to transform verbs into nouns in the most appropriate way.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Adding Suffixes
Step 1. Add "-ance" or "-ence" to the verbs
Many verbs can be transformed into nouns by adding the suffixes "-ance" or "-ence". For example, the verb "appear" can become "appearance". The verb "resist" can become "resistance".
For example, take the phrase "He appeared on many talk shows while promoting his book." If you wanted to turn the verb into a noun, you could say "He made many talk show appearances while promoting his book."
Step 2. Add "-ment" to the verbs
Other verbs require the suffix "-ment" to be transformed into nouns. For example, "appoint", "assign" and "enjoy" can become "appointment", "assignment" and "enjoyment."
For example, let's take the phrase "The man enjoyed his lunch". If you wanted to turn the verb into a noun, you could say "The man's lunch brought him enjoyment".
Step 3. Add "-tion" or "-sion"
The suffixes "-tion" and "-sion" can be found at the end of many nouns. Many verbs are transformed into nouns using these suffixes. For example, "inform", "decide", and "describe" can become "information", "decision" and "description".
For example, let's take the phrase "He decided to decline the job offer". If you wanted to use a noun, you could say "He made the decision to decline the job offer ".
Part 2 of 3: Change the Sentence
Step 1. Find the verb
The verb is a word of action. In one sentence, it describes the act of doing something. If you want to adapt a sentence by transforming a verb into a noun, locate the verb and try to understand this can split into a noun.
- For example, let's take the phrase "The film impacted the students". The verb in this case is "impacted".
- Another example, consider the phrase "The athlete prepared to run". The verb of the sentence is "run" (although "prepared" is also a verb).
Step 2. Add the appropriate determinant before the word
A determinant is a word like "the" or "a", which usually indicates that the following word is a noun. To turn a verb into a noun within a sentence, add a determinant before the noun.
- If you are transforming "impacted" into a noun, you should use the determinant "an" or the determinant "the".
- To make "run" into a noun, you will need to use the determinant "the" or the determinant "a".
Step 3. Rewrite the sentence
Once a determinant is added, the sentence may need some modification. To be transformed into a noun, the verb may need some slight modification and the sentence may need some adaptation.
- For example, the phrase "The film impacted the students" can be transformed into "The film had an impact on the students ".
- "The athlete prepared to run" can be transformed into "The athlete prepared for to run".
Part 3 of 3: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Step 1. Consult a dictionary to check your suffixes
If English is your second language, the suffix to use in the case of verb transformation could be confusing. Since there are no pre-established and immediate rules when it comes to figuring out which suffix to use, don't hesitate to consult a dictionary after transforming a verb into a noun. It is never a bad idea to double check.
Step 2. Try to avoid conversations that might seem slang
For many people, turning verbs into nouns amounts to poor writing. The reason is that it can often sound like slang. Terms used in business, computing, or sports may result in meaningless slang if you use the noun form instead of the verb.
- For example, take the phrase "The boss conducted an investigation about the allegations". It seems slightly verbose as it is easier to write "The boss investigated the allegations".
- For example, the phrase "The team did a review of the tape" is not very fluent. Instead write "The team reviewed the tape".
Step 3. Use conversions only if they help you better communicate what you want to convey
Using nouns as verbs can be helpful if you're trying to appear less emotional and more objective. In the case of sensitive information, for example, it might be useful to use technical language. Be careful about using conversions to convey the right tone.
