Grammar: Word classes: Nouns

Representing actions with nouns

Introduction

We normally represent actions with verbs (run, multiply), but we can also represent actions with nouns and -ing forms (go for a run, running, multiplication) .

The main reason we represent actions with nouns is because it enables us to write (and speak) more concisely. This is because we can package the various components of the clause into a single noun. So, for example people explain things becomes simply the noun explanation.

When we write or speak, we do not consciously turn verbs into nouns, but for the purpose of this explanation let us assume we do, so that we can consider the typical changes which take place within the clause:

	The verb becomes the Head noun: explain - explanation.
	Any adverbs related to the verb become adjectives modifying the Head noun: explain quickly - quick explanation.
	The former verb loses its verb markings such as tense, aspect, modality and Subject-verb agreement.
	The noun acquires noun characteristics such as determiners and modifiers, countability and plural marking: all of his boring explanations.
	The noun can be used to indicate a possessive relationship: his explanation, the book's explanation.

For more information about the clause, see Grammar: Clause: Using the clause to represent experience: Overview

Another important reason for wanting to use nouns instead of verbs is because the noun group allows us much greater flexibility in presenting information. The noun group is flexible because it can be built up into a complex group of words which allows us to describe exactly the thing we are talking about. For more information, see Grammar: Groups & phrases: Noun group: Overview

Nouns are typically used instead of verbs in formal situations, such as technical writing. Sometimes students will encounter texts where a lot of the information has been condensed into nouns, and when helping students to understand this sort of writing, it is useful to 'unpack' the meaning, as in the above example: explanation = people explain things to other people.

It is not only actions which can be represented as nouns. A writer or speaker can take a quality or state which is usually represented by an adjective, and represent it as a noun (deep - depth, happy - happiness).

Whole clauses can also be summarised in nouns:

For more information, see the menu on the left: Noun formation: Forming nouns from other word classes.