The English language is filled with versatile words that can function as both verbs and nouns. Understanding these words can greatly enhance your vocabulary and communication skills. Here, we explore 20 common words that serve dual purposes, complete with definitions and example sentences.
Words that are Both Verbs and Nouns
1. Book
Noun: A written or printed work consisting of pages bound together.
- Example: She borrowed a book from the library.
Verb: To reserve accommodations, tickets, etc., in advance.
- Example: I need to book a flight for my trip.
2. Park
Noun: A large public green area in a town.
- Example: They went for a walk in the park.
Verb: To bring a vehicle to a stop and leave it temporarily.
- Example: He parked his car near the entrance.
3. Light
Noun: The natural agent that makes things visible.
- Example: The room was filled with light.
Verb: To ignite something to produce light.
- Example: Please light the candle.
4. Play
Noun: A dramatic work for the stage.
- Example: They performed a famous play.
Verb: To engage in an activity for enjoyment.
- Example: The children love to play outside.
5. Run
Noun: An act or spell of running.
- Example: She went for a morning run.
Verb: To move swiftly on foot.
- Example: He runs every day to stay fit.
6. Watch
Noun: A small timepiece worn typically on the wrist.
- Example: She glanced at her watch.
Verb: To look at or observe attentively.
- Example: They watched the sunset together.
7. Match
Noun: A contest between two or more players or teams.
- Example: The match ended in a draw.
Verb: To correspond or cause to correspond in some essential respect.
- Example: The colors of the curtains match the sofa.
8. Hope
Noun: A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
- Example: They held on to hope for a better future.
Verb: To want something to happen or be the case.
- Example: I hope you have a great day.
9. Brush
Noun: An implement with bristles, used for cleaning, painting, etc.
- Example: She bought a new brush for painting.
Verb: To clean, groom, or apply with a brush.
- Example: He brushed his teeth before bed.
10. Dance
Noun: A series of movements involving steps and rhythm.
- Example: They attended the school dance.
Verb: To move rhythmically to music.
- Example: They danced all night at the party.
11. Answer
Noun: A response to a question.
- Example: She gave the correct answer.
Verb: To respond to a question.
- Example: Please answer the phone.
12. Smile
Noun: A pleased, kind, or amused expression.
- Example: Her smile brightened the room.
Verb: To form one’s features into a pleased, kind, or amused expression.
- Example: He smiled at the joke.
13. Cook
Noun: A person who prepares and cooks food.
- Example: The cook prepared a delicious meal.
Verb: To prepare food by heating it.
- Example: She cooks dinner every night.
14. Plan
Noun: A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.
- Example: They made a plan for the weekend.
Verb: To decide on and arrange in advance.
- Example: We plan to visit the museum tomorrow.
15. Jump
Noun: An act of jumping.
- Example: He made a big jump over the puddle.
Verb: To push oneself off a surface and into the air by using the muscles in one’s legs and feet.
- Example: The cat jumped onto the counter.
16. Drink
Noun: A liquid that can be swallowed as refreshment or nourishment.
- Example: She had a drink of water.
Verb: To take liquid into the mouth and swallow.
- Example: He drinks coffee every morning.
17. Call
Noun: A loud cry or shout.
- Example: He heard the call of the wild.
Verb: To cry out in a loud voice.
- Example: She called for help.
18. Wave
Noun: A long body of water curling into an arched form and breaking on the shore.
- Example: The waves crashed against the rocks.
Verb: To move one’s hand to and fro in greeting or as a signal.
- Example: She waved to her friend.
19. Plant
Noun: A living organism that typically grows in a permanent site, absorbing water and inorganic substances.
- Example: The plant needs water and sunlight.
Verb: To put a seed, bulb, or plant in the ground so that it can grow.
- Example: They plan to plant a tree in the garden.
20. Shop
Noun: A place where goods are sold to the public.
- Example: They opened a new shop in town.
Verb: To visit shops to buy goods.
- Example: She loves to shop on weekends.
