Types of Nouns

by
Prof. Davieliz Villafae Coln
A noun is a word or set of words that name people, animals, places, things, or ideas. A noun
composed of more than one word is called a compound noun. Two examples of compound
names are gas station and tennis court.
There are different types of nouns. Some of the most common nouns in English are: abstract
nouns, concrete nouns, common nouns, proper nouns, countable nouns, non-countable nouns,
and collective nouns.
Abstract nouns refer to ideas, concepts, emotions, and other things you cannot physically
interact with. Relying on your five senses is not possible. Pay attention to the following
examples:
Success seems to come easily to certain people.
His hatred of people smoking indoors is legendary.
She has an incredible love for nature.
This is of great importance.
He received an award for his bravery.
Concrete nouns represent things you can touch, see, taste, feel, and hear. In other words,
these nouns require the use of your five senses. For example:
Please, remember to buy oranges.
Have a seat in that chair.
Common nouns refer to general things rather than specific ones. They are never capitalized
unless they are placed at the beginning of a sentence. Pay attention to the following
examples:
Be sure to pick a top university.
Stack those boxes carefully.
Would you like a cookie with your coffee?
People are strange.
My dog will not stop barking.

Source: http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/nouns/types-nouns/

Types of Nouns
by
Prof. Davieliz Villafae Coln
Proper nouns have 2 distinct features: (1) they name specific one-of-a-kind items, and (2)
they begin with capital letters at all times.
David needs to go to school early in the morning.
One of my favorite places to visit is Puerto Rico.
The best restaurant you can find in Plaza del Sol is Chilis.
Even though I am Puerto Rican, I have never visited Vieques.
Countable nouns can be counted. This means that they have a singular form and a plural
form.
Giovannie only has one sister.
It is hard to have so many sisters in one family.
Patricia wants a sandwich.
In my classroom, there are two Guillermos.
Non-countable nouns cannot be counted and generally have one possible form: a singular
form.
Pollution is taking over the world.
I have no idea what to do with my hair for Albertos party.
The baby spilled the water on the floor.
Richard has work experience, so he should be doing fine in the interview.
Love is a wonderful feeling.
Whenever I go to the beach, I have sand under my feet, wind brushing my hair, and salt
on my skin.
Collective nouns refer to a group. They can be used in singular or plural form, but they are
mostly used in singular form. For example:
Our team is enjoying an unbroken winning streak.
Theres a pack of hyenas outside.
Watch out for that swarm of bees!
You have not lived until you have seen a herd of wild horses.
Our class graduates two years from now.

Source: http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/nouns/types-nouns/

Types of Nouns
by
Prof. Davieliz Villafae Coln
Practice
Point out the nouns in the following sentences and state whether they are abstract, concrete,
common, proper, countable, non-countable, or collective. There might be more than one
classification available per noun.

1.

Always speak the truth.

2.

Honesty is the best policy.

3.

King Solomon was famous for his wisdom.

4.

A committee of 5 was appointed.

Source: http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/nouns/types-nouns/

Types of Nouns
by
Prof. Davieliz Villafae Coln
5.

We saw a fleet of ships in the harbour.

6.

He gave me a bunch of grapes.

7.

London is on the River Thames.

8.

Cleanliness is next to godliness.

9.

Wisdom is better than riches.

Source: http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/nouns/types-nouns/

Types of Nouns
by
Prof. Davieliz Villafae Coln
10. Winston Churchill was one of the greatest prime ministers of England.

11. I recognized his voice at once.

12. Our team is better than theirs.

13. The jury has announced its verdict.

14. Sharon makes models from clay.

Source: http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/nouns/types-nouns/

Types of Nouns
by
Prof. Davieliz Villafae Coln
15. Ronald took out his pen and began to make notes.

16. The crocodiles in the river snapped angrily at the boat.

17. The boys on bicycles delivered pamphlets.

Cleopatra was known for her beauty.

18.

19. The Nile overflows its banks every year.

Source: http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/nouns/types-nouns/

Types of Nouns
by
Prof. Davieliz Villafae Coln
20. I believe in his innocence.

21. The elephant has great strength.

22. Honesty is the best policy.

23. James is a bright student.

I did not believe the girls story.

24.

Source: http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/nouns/types-nouns/

Types of Nouns
by
Prof. Davieliz Villafae Coln
25.

A teacher must have patience.

26.

My sister is a doctor.

27.

My family lives in that house.

28.

The children pour milk on their cereal.

29.

Money sure helps in times of need.

Source: http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/nouns/types-nouns/