Nouns As Verbs

Worksheet Description

This worksheet provides an engaging task focused on the use of anthimeria, a literary device where nouns are repurposed as verbs. Inspired by a quote from the National Review that praises the versatility of English and its capacity to “verb” almost any noun, the exercise prompts students to create sentences that apply this transformative language skill. Each student is given a list of common nouns: “table,” “finger,” “bag,” “turkey,” “slipper,” “sock,” “notebook,” and “train.” They must then craft inventive sentences that use these nouns as action words, thereby exploring the flexibility and creativity of language.

For example, a student might write “Let’s turkey the weekend,” implying an action of celebrating or feasting in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Or “Can you notebook your thoughts on this topic?” encouraging someone to write down their ideas. This exercise aims to develop linguistic dexterity and broaden the students’ understanding of how words can be dynamically used in different contexts. By bending the conventional rules of grammar, students learn to appreciate and harness the playful side of language, enriching their written and spoken expression.