Conversion (Zero Derivation)

Conversion, also called zero derivation, is the process of creating a new word by changing the part of speech of an existing word without adding a suffix or prefix. This helps expand vocabulary and allows flexible use of words in sentences.

Definition / Explanation

Conversion occurs when a word shifts from one part of speech to another without any morphological change. For example, a noun can become a verb, or an adjective can become a noun.

Rules / Guidelines

• Nouns can become verbs: to email (from the noun "email")
• Verbs can become nouns: a run (from the verb "run")
• Adjectives can become nouns: the poor (from "poor")
• Context usually determines the function of the word: watch (noun: "I bought a watch"; verb: "I watch TV")
• Conversion does not require any spelling changes or affixes.

Examples

Noun → Verb: Google (noun) → to google (verb)
Verb → Noun: run (verb) → a run (noun)
Adjective → Noun: poor (adjective) → the poor (noun)
Adjective → Verb (less common): empty → to empty the box
Other examples: bottle (noun) → to bottle (verb), calm (adjective) → to calm (verb)

Practice Exercises

1. Identify the conversion: "I will text you later." (text = noun or verb?)
2. Identify the conversion: "The poor need help." (poor = adjective or noun?)
3. Convert the noun "hand" into a verb in a sentence.
4. Convert the verb "to run" into a noun in a sentence.
5. Explain the part of speech change in: "We will bottle the juice today."

Answers / Explanation

1. Verb (from noun "text")
2. Noun (from adjective "poor")
3. Example: "Please hand me the book." (verb)
4. Example: "I went for a run this morning." (noun)
5. "Bottle" changed from noun → verb (to put juice into a bottle)