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EDUCATION of ELAKSAMANA

ABSTRACT NOUNS
An abstract noun is a type of noun that refers to something a person cannot
physically interact with. A noun is a person, place or thing. However, in many cases,
the 'thing' might be an intangible concept which means it is an abstract form of
noun. In this instance, abstract means to exist apart from concrete existence. A
noun that is abstract is an aspect, concept, idea, experience, state of being, trait,
quality, feeling, or other entity that cannot be experienced with the five senses.
Recognizing When a Noun is Abstract
Concrete nouns are people, places, or things that we d experience do with our five
senses. The abstract class is the opposite - we can never experience these nouns
according to our senses. If a noun describes something you can see, hear, touch,
taste, or smell, it is not abstract.
Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize when the noun is abstract because there
are a number of words that can function in different ways. For example, some words
might function as verbs in some cases and abstract nouns in other cases. Check to
see whether the word in question is expressing action in some way or if it is a
functioning as a 'thing.' Love and taste are two such examples.
I love my husband. [In this sentence, the word love expresses an action and is
therefore acting as a verb.]
Send them my love. [In this sentence, the word love functions as an abstract noun
because it is a thing that exists beyond the five senses.]
Sarah could taste cilantro in the salsa. [In this sentence, the auxilary verb 'could'
functions with taste to
illustrate action. She can physically taste the salsa.]
Sarah has great taste in clothes. [In this sentence, taste functions in an abstract
manner. Taste refers to her preferences.]
Abstract nouns can be countable or non-countable (mass). They can also be in
singular or possessive form. These nouns follow the same grammar rules as other
nouns.
Common Abstract Nouns
Emotions/Feelings Love
Peace
Pride
Bravery
Loyalty
Compassion
Charity

Hate
Sympathy

Deceit
Pain

Beauty
Brilliance
Ideas/Concepts/Ideals
Beliefs

Skill
Misery

Anger
States/Attributes
Honesty
Integrity
Success
Courage

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EDUCATION of ELAKSAMANA

Dreams

Justice

Liberty
Culture
Progress
Trouble

Truth

Knowledge
Thought
Trust
Dedication
Education
Hospitality
Friendships
Relaxation

Faith
Information
Movements/Events
Leisure

Abstract forms of nouns are very common and an important part of communication.
In many cases these types of nouns are derived from an addition of a suffix or
alteration in the root word. Child is a concrete noun, for example, but childhood is
an intangible state, so it is abstract. Nouns with the
following suffixes are often abstract:
-tion

-ism

-ity

-ment

-acy

-ness

-age

-ance/-ence

-ship

-ability

CONCRETE NOUNS
Nouns name people, places, and things. One class of nouns is concrete. You can
experience this group of nouns with your five senses: you see them, hear them,
smell them, taste them, and feel them.
Check out the following example:
Reliable, Diane's beagle, licked strawberry ice cream off her chin.
Ice cream, for example, is a concrete noun. You can see the pink. You can taste the
berry flavor. You can feel your tongue growing numb from the cold. Any noun that
you can experience with at least one of your five senses is a concrete noun.

Present by elaksamana@yahoo.com
All Right Reserved Presented 2009

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