Verbing nouns

English nouns can often be used as verbs. The word’s place in the phrase or clause, and its inflections, show its verb function. Many everyday verbs have been created and used this way for a long time, so are fully accepted:

People with limited mobility may not be able to access the office.

Let’s book our flights.

I will table the matter for discussion.

New verbs formed in this way, especially longer ones, may not be so easily accepted:

She calendared the appointment.

The runner medalled at his first race.

He shirtfronted the mayor.

If in doubt as to whether such verbal uses of nouns are well enough known to the general reader, check with a dictionary. Note that some verbed nouns have a technical usage (eg the patient was stretchered to hospital) and should be checked with a technical dictionary.

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