Here's why:
* Gerunds are verb forms ending in "-ing" that function as nouns. They often describe actions or processes, retaining some of the verb's qualities like taking objects. For example, "Swimming is my favorite activity."
* Verbal nouns are nouns derived from verbs, but they can differ from gerunds in their formation and function. For example, "arrival" is a verbal noun derived from the verb "arrive." It functions as a noun, referring to the act of arriving, but it doesn't use the "-ing" ending like a gerund.
Here are some examples of verbal nouns and their qualities:
* Construction (derived from "construct"): refers to the act or process of building something.
* Departure (derived from "depart"): refers to the act of leaving a place.
* Explanation (derived from "explain"): refers to the act of making something clear.
Key characteristics of verbal nouns:
* Nouns: They function as nouns in sentences.
* Derived from verbs: They are formed from verbs.
* Retained qualities: They often retain some of the verb's qualities like describing actions or processes.
* Different forms: They can be formed in different ways, not just using the "-ing" ending.
Distinguishing verbal nouns from gerunds:
* Gerunds always end in "-ing."
* Verbal nouns can have different endings (e.g., -ure, -tion, -ment).
* Gerunds often function as the subject or object of a sentence, while verbal nouns can function as other noun types (e.g., object of a preposition, appositive).
In summary, verbal nouns are a broader category of nouns derived from verbs, while gerunds are a specific type of verbal noun that always ends in "-ing." Both retain some of the verb's qualities, but they have different forms and functions.