1s8 Verbal nouns

verbal nouns
after prepositions to make a prepositional phrase.
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Verbal nouns
The verbal noun is the -ing form, i.e. the present participle of the verb, used as a noun. lt can be used in all the places that a noun can be used, but still keeps some characteristics of the verb. lt is sometimes called

without laughingT

Verbal nouns are also used:

the gerund.
The screaming of the

after some

ph rasal verbs

such as:

be

for/agai nst, give u p, keep on, ook

I

brakesterrifled me. prohibited. is Smoking

forwardto, putoff.
Shewas all for leaving immediately. Linda gave up swimming but she kept on dieting. They were looking forward to writing home.

The verbal noun normally functions as an uncountable noun, as above. However, there are some uses of the verbal noun that can be preceded by an indefinite article or used in the plural.
He gave a reading from his latestvolume of poetry' The takings were down this week in the shop.

aftercertainsetexpressionssuchas: can'tstand,con'thelp,it'snouse/good.
I I

The verbal noun can be preceded by the definite article, by adjectives, and by possessives.
Her marvellous singing won Helen the scholarship.

can't stand waiting around. can't help getting cross. It's no use crying over spilt milk.

The possessive determinercan be used with the verbal noun, especially in formal English. Anna leftthe housewithout my knowing.

Just lil<e any noun, the verbal noun can function:

asasubject.
Driving was impossible.
as

. be.

Theverbal noun also has:

a perfect f orm: having ...ed.

thecomplement of theverb
Seeing isbelieving.
His

Martin was accused of having cheated.

'

a passive form: being ...ed. Being asked did notbother me.

greotest pleasure isworking.

asan object aftercertain verbs. See also p. t3o'

Louisa likes swimming but Helen prefers diving

a perfect passive form: having been ...ed.

The car showed no sign of having been touched.