Words that can be both Nouns and Verbs
The next two words can be both verbs and nouns. As nouns that will be explained in the “Nouns” section. Right now, they will be reviewed as verbs for this chapter on “Verbs”.
The two words of “answer” and “total” can be two different parts of speech: nouns or verbs. As verbs, they can be used to give directions in the imperative mood.
Examples as verbs:
The students answer the questions online.
She totals her bills on the 15th of the month.
As verbs, the imperative can be formed.
For example:
Answer the problems below.
Total the next set of problems.
Your Turn
Examples as nouns:
The answer is 12.
The answer cannot be 11.
The total is 12.
That total is incorrect.
The imperative mood needs a verb. In order to use these two words as nouns, a different verb must be used.
Examples of instructions:
Find the answers to the math problems.
Solve for the answer.
Calculate the total for the following problems.
Calculate the totals.
Did you notice that the nouns of the words answer and total can be singular or plural?
Your Turn
