A verbal noun is derived from a verb, but serves purely as a noun in a sentence. An adjective can be used to modify it or it can be made into plural form. To compare it to a gerund, it cannot be modified by an adverb nor take an object.
Here are the main differences between a gerund and a verbal noun:
| Feature | Gerund | Verbal Noun |
| Word ending | Always ends in “-ing” | Ends in “-ing,” “-ation,” “-al,” etc., or be the same as the verb |
| Verb-like properties | Maintains verb-like properties | No verb-like properties |
| Modification | Uses adverb as modifier | Uses adjective as modifier |
| Object | Takes a direct object | Cannot take a direct object |
| Pluralization | Cannot be pluralized | Can be pluralized |
Example Sentences: Gerund vs Verbal Noun
| Infinitive | Gerund | Verbal Noun |
| translate | translation Translating the code was not easy to do. | translation The students were reading a translation of English texts into Spanish. |
| depart | departing Departing from traditions, the couple decided to elope. | departure Be here for the departure of your grandparents tomorrow. |
| arrive | arriving Arriving early is probably a good idea to avoid traffic going to the office. | arrival We are witnessing the arrival of companion robots in our societies. |
| use | using Using his charm landed him a job at the top modeling agency. | use What’s the use of all your hard work if you are not going to finish your university degree? |
| guide | guiding Guiding her children was her purpose in life. | guidance They need the guidance of their village elders to come up with a decision. |
| prepare | preparing Eagerly preparing for the party, she made a long list of things to do. | preparation All of this is for the preparation of their wedding. |
| build | building Her company is interested in building a new business. | building His parents’ money will fund the building of his future. |