Many verbs in English can be turned into nouns by adding a suffix. You can also change certain verbs to nouns depending on the context of the sentence. Sometimes, using noun forms that come from verbs makes sentences sound clunky and full of jargon. Use your judgment when converting verbs to nouns to keep writing clear and concise. This process may be confusing especially if you are not a native speaker, but don't despair. With time and patience, you will be able to turn verbs into nouns.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Adding Suffixes
Step 1. Add "-ance" or "-ence" after the verb
Many verbs can be turned into nouns by adding the suffix "-ance" or "-ence." For example, the verb " appear " can become " appearance." The verb "resist" can become "resistance."
For example, consider the sentence, "He appeared on many talk shows while promoting his book." If you want to turn a verb into a noun, you can pass the sentence along, saying "He made many talk show appearances while promoting his book."
Step 2. Add "-ment" after the verb
Other verbs need the suffix "-ment" in order to turn into nouns. For example, " appoint," " assign," and " enjoy " could change to " appointment, " " assignment " and " enjoyment.
For example, consider the sentence, " The man enjoyed his lunch." If you want to change a verb to a noun, you can say, "The man's lunch brought him enjoyment."
Step 3. Add "-tion" or "-sion"
The suffixes "-tion" and "-sion" can be found after many nouns. Various kinds of verbs turn into nouns using these suffixes. For example, "inform", "decide", and "describe" could become "information," "decision," and "description."
For example, consider the sentence, "He decided to decline the job offer." If you want to use a noun, you can say, "He made the decision to decline the job offer."
Method 2 of 3: Adjusting Sentences
Step 1. Find the verb
Verbs describe action. This word describes a certain action in a sentence. If you want to adapt a sentence to turn a verb into a noun, find the verb in the sentence and see if it can also function as a noun.
- For example, consider the sentence, "The film impacted the students." The verb in this sentence is "impacted."
- As another example, consider the sentence, “The athlete prepared to run.” The verb in this sentence is “run” (although “prepared” is also a verb).
Step 2. Add a determinant before the word
A determinant is a word, such as " the " or " a " that generally indicates that the word that follows it is a noun. To change a verb to a noun in a sentence, add a determinant before the noun.
- If you want to turn " impacted " into a noun, you'll need the " an " or " the."
- To turn “run” into a noun, you need a “the” or “a.”
Step 3. Rewrite the sentence
After adding the determinant, you may have to change the sentence. Verbs may have to be changed slightly to become nouns and sentences may have to be rearranged.
- For example, "The film impacted the students," could be changed to, "The film had an impact on the students."
- For example, “The athlete prepared to run,” could be changed to, “The athlete prepared for a run.”
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Step 1. Use a dictionary to check the suffix
If English is your second language, choosing a suffix when changing nouns can be confusing. Since there are no fixed rules for using suffixes, feel free to check the dictionary when converting verbs to nouns. Double-checking won't hurt you.
Step 2. Avoid conversations that sound like jargon
Many people think that changing a verb to a noun is a bad form of writing because the sentence will sound full of jargon. Terminology related to business, computers, or sports can sound meaningless if you use the noun form of the verb.
- For example, consider the sentence, "The boss conducted an investigation about the allegations." The sentence is too long. It's simpler if you write, " The boss investigated the allegations."
- For example, you could say, “The team did a review of the tape,” but this sentence is not smooth. Better yet, you say " The team reviewed the tape."
Step 3. Change only if the word better represents your idea
Using a noun instead of a verb is useful if you want to sound less emotional and more objective. If you're passing on sensitive information, you better sound technical. Be careful when converting verbs to nouns and make sure the sentences you produce are correct.
