The Problematic Forms of Nominalization in English: Gerund, Verbal Noun, and Deverbal Noun

Abstract

This paper addresses a problematic issue concerning the three forms of nominalization: gerund, verbal noun, and deverbal noun. These nominals are problematic for two reasons. The first reason is that they mix different degrees of nominal and verbal properties, so the choice of these nominals for certain structure is not easily predictable. The second one is that there are many discrepancies concerning the terminology related to these forms used in linguistic references and studies. The confusing terminology is misleading for the researcher, teachers, and learners.

The terms under investigation have different internal structures, but they share the same nominal functions and distribution within the sentence (subject, object, etc.). The study aims to point out the confusing discrepancies in terminology, the properties of these forms, the similarities and differences between these three forms, and accordingly their categories.