Same words used as nouns and verbs | Class 8 and 9 grammar

The same word can be used as different parts of speech. In some cases, the pronunciation of the word remains the same even if it is used as a different part of speech. Examples are: exhibit, address, mistake, review, practice (noun) and practise (verb)

In some cases, the stress shifts from one syllable to another when the word is used as a different part of speech.

Examples are given below

CONduct (n) / conDUCT (v)
PROduce (n) / proDUCE (v)
REfuse (n) / reFUSE (v)

In some cases, there is a difference in spelling.

While words ending in –ce are nouns, the verbs have –se endings.

Device (n) / devise (v)
Advice (n) / advise (v)
Practice (n) / practise (v)

Exercise

State whether the underlined words are used as nouns or verbs in the following sentences.

1. Her conduct on the show was reasonably good.

2. They are going to conduct a workshop on biogas production.

3. Some nations produce much more than they need.

4. Thanks to good rainfall, this year the produce was pretty good.

5. Farmers should stop burning garden refuse as it causes pollution.

6. They refuse to change their ways.

7. This device can be operated manually.

8. We must devise a solution to cope with frequent power outages.

9. I advise you to mend your ways.

10. I don’t want to listen to your advice.

11. The new building houses the library.

12. The houses on this street have an old-world charm to them.

Answers

1. Her conduct on the show was reasonably good. (conduct – noun)

2. They are going to conduct a workshop on biogas production. (conduct – verb)

3. Some nations produce much more than they need. (produce – verb)

4. Thanks to good rainfall, this year the produce was pretty good. (produce – noun)

5. Farmers should stop burning garden refuse as it causes pollution. (refuse – noun)

6. They refuse to change their ways. (refuse – verb)

7. This device can be operated manually. (device – noun)

8. We must devise a solution to cope with frequent power outages. (devise – verb)

9. I advise you to mend your ways. (advise – verb)

10. I don’t want to listen to your advice. (advice – noun)

11. The new building houses the library. (houses – third person singular present simple tense from of the verb house)

12. The houses on this street have an old-world charm to them. (houses – noun)