What are abstract nouns from verbs?
Abstract nouns describe ideas, actions, or feelings that you cannot see or touch. Many abstract nouns come from verbs. For example, the verb 'teach' becomes the noun 'teaching'. We form these nouns by adding suffixes (endings) to the verb. The most common suffixes are -ing, -tion, -sion, and -ment. Learning these patterns helps you create new words and understand English better.
Suffix Patterns for Forming Abstract Nouns from Verbs
| Suffix | Spelling Rule | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| -ing | Add -ing to the base verb. Drop a silent final -e before adding. | think → thinking | Most versatile suffix; works with nearly all verbs. |
| -tion | Drop a final -e or -t, then add -tion. Verbs ending in -ate drop -ate and add -ation. | educate → education | Very common with Latin-root verbs; pronounced with the "shun" sound. |
| -sion | Used after verbs ending in -d, -de, -se, or -mit. Drop the ending and add -sion. | decide → decision | Pronounced with a "zhun" sound after a vowel sound (e.g., confusion). |
| -ment | Add -ment directly to the base verb with no spelling change needed in most cases. | develop → development | Common with Germanic-root verbs; no change to the base form. |
Formula
✔ Positive
Verb
+
+ -ing
+
= Abstract noun
The verb 'swim' becomes the noun 'swimming'.
Examples
I love playing football on Saturdays.
Verb + -ing · Gerund (abstract noun)
Her education was very important to her family.
Verb + -tion · Abstract noun
The government made a decision about the environment.
Verb + -ion · Abstract noun
I need your help with this improvement.
Verb + -ment · Abstract noun
The discussion about the project was very long.
Verb + -sion · Abstract noun
Smoking is bad for your health.
Verb + -ing · Abstract noun
When to use it
Academic writing
Abstract nouns help you write formal essays and reports. They make your writing sound more professional and organised.
"The education system requires constant development and improvement."
Daily conversation
Use abstract nouns to discuss feelings, actions, and ideas with friends and family.
"I enjoy swimming and reading in my free time."
Reading comprehension
Recognising abstract nouns from verbs helps you understand English texts better.
"The government announced new policies on education and employment."
Signal words
-ing (most common)
-tion (after 'e' in verbs)
-sion (after vowels)
-ment (common endings)
remove final -e before adding suffix
double final consonant sometimes needed
Common Mistakes
✕
Wrong
I like the teach of this teacher.
✓
Correct
I like the teaching of this teacher.
Add -ing to 'teach' → 'teaching'. 'Teach' needs the -ing ending to form an abstract noun.
✕
Wrong
The decision was made with great care and thoughtfull.
✓
Correct
The decision was made with great care and thoughtfulness.
The noun from 'thoughtful' is 'thoughtfulness' (not 'thoughtfull'). Use -ness suffix for adjectives.
✕
Wrong
She wants improvment in her English skills.
✓
Correct
She wants improvement in her English skills.
When verbs end in -e, remove it before adding -ment. 'Improve' → 'improvement' (not 'improvment').
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What to Remember
- Abstract nouns describe ideas, actions, or feelings you cannot see or touch.
- Many abstract nouns are formed by adding suffixes to verbs.
- The most common suffixes for forming abstract nouns are -ing, -tion, -sion, and -ment.
- Different verbs use different suffixes, so learn each pattern carefully.
- Understanding these patterns helps you create new words and build vocabulary.