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Dual Function Word Classes

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Dual Function Word Classes

A word’s class depends on how it is used in a sentence. Read each sentence carefully and identify whether the italicised word is functioning as a noun or a verb. Then practise using dual-function words yourself.

Noun or verb?

Use the sentence context to decide the word class. A noun names something; a verb expresses an action or state.

1.In “The orchestra will rehearse in the hall”, what word class is “rehearse”?
  • Noun
  • Verb
  • Adjective
  • Adverb
2.In “The orchestra’s final rehearsal lasted two hours”, what word class is “rehearsal”?
  • Noun
  • Verb
  • Adjective
  • Adverb
3.In “The committee will debate the proposal tomorrow”, what word class is “debate”?
  • Noun
  • Verb
  • Adjective
  • Adverb
4.In “Their debate continued long after the meeting”, what word class is “debate”?
  • Noun
  • Verb
  • Adjective
  • Adverb
5.In “Please email the revised schedule to the whole team”, what word class is “email”?
  • Noun
  • Verb
  • Adjective
  • Adverb
6.In “I found your email in my inbox”, what word class is “email”?
  • Noun
  • Verb
  • Adjective
  • Adverb

Words with more than one function

Some words can be used as both nouns and verbs. Select every word below that can function as either one, depending on the sentence.

7.Which of these words can function as both a noun and a verb? Select all that apply.
  • translate
  • permission
  • insult
  • carefully
  • impact
  • generous
  • access
  • decision

Noun: The report had a strong impact.

Verb: The new rule may impact local businesses.

Noun: Her access to the archive was approved.

Verb: Staff can access the archive online.

Use the word in context

Write complete sentences that make the intended word class clear from the surrounding words.

8.Write a sentence using “insult” as a noun. Make it clear that “insult” names something.
9.Write a sentence using “insult” as a verb. Make it clear that “insult” describes an action.
10.Complete the sentence with the correct form of “permit”: “Visitors need a to enter the restricted area.”
11.Complete the sentence with the correct form of “permit”: “The rules do not photography inside the gallery.”
12.Complete the sentence with the correct form of “conduct”: “The researcher will interviews next week.”
13.Complete the sentence with the correct form of “conduct”: “The panel praised the careful of the investigation.”

Analyse and apply

Explain how sentence structure and meaning help you identify a word’s grammatical role.

14.Compare “The project received funding” with “They project the costs accurately”. Explain the word class of “project” in each sentence and how its meaning changes.
15.Write two sentences using “screen”: use it as a noun in one sentence and as a verb in the other. Label each sentence with its word class.

3 printable pages

  • Dual Function Word Classes, page 1 of 3: Noun or verb?

    Page 1

  • Dual Function Word Classes, page 2 of 3: Words with more than one function, Use the word in context

    Page 2

  • Dual Function Word Classes, page 3 of 3: Analyse and apply

    Page 3

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