An example of a conceptual conversion operation.

Relates to the operation that converts our conceptualization of time (or action) into space (or matter): an act can be converted into an object or an activity into a mass. When a temporal concept is reified, it is expressed by a nominal expression (a noun phrase). Compare the examples in (1) and (2).

An act reified as an (discrete) object 1. John washed her John gave her a wash Activity reified as a mass (continuous) 2. John helped her John gave her some help In example (1), washed is a verb and encodes an act, while a wash is a noun phrase and encodes an act conceptualised as an object. In example (2), helped is a verb and encodes an activity, while some help is a noun phrase and encodes an activity conceptualised as a mass. When an act is construed as an object, it can be described in terms consistent with the properties of objects. For example, to call (on the phone) becomes he gave me a call; to slap becomes he gave her two slaps.