What's Inside?

Introduction

What is an Abstract Noun?

Abstract nouns refer to things that we cannot perceive through our five senses – touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste. Instead, these nouns represent ideas, feelings, qualities, or concepts like love, time, friendship, or freedom.

Definition of Abstract Noun

In simple terms, an abstract noun is a type of noun that denotes an intangible concept such as an emotion, a feeling, a quality, or an idea.

Can I Experience Abstract Nouns with the Five Senses?

No, abstract nouns cannot be experienced with our five senses. They are the opposite of concrete nouns, which can be perceived with the senses.

Understanding Abstract Nouns

Characteristics of Abstract Nouns

Abstract nouns do not have a physical existence. They represent something that we can feel or think about, but can’t touch, see, hear, taste, or smell. For example, the word “bravery” represents a concept and a quality but you can’t physically touch or see bravery.

The Importance of Abstract Nouns in Language

Abstract nouns play a crucial role in allowing us to express complex thoughts, emotions, and concepts that might not have a physical representation. They enrich our conversations and help us convey abstract ideas more effectively.

Identifying Abstract Nouns

Identifying abstract nouns can be tricky, as they are often used to express subjective, theoretical, and intangible things. For instance, words like ‘happiness’, ‘love’, ‘wisdom’, ‘bias’, or ‘motivation’ are all abstract nouns.

Different Types of Nouns

Abstract Nouns vs. Concrete Nouns

Abstract nouns denote things that are intangible like feelings or ideas (for example, ‘truth’, ‘beauty’, ‘sorrow’), while concrete nouns refer to things that we can sense physically, like a chair, flower, or a dog.

Countable and Uncountable Abstract Nouns

Some abstract nouns can be countable, such as ‘an idea’, ‘a dream’, and ‘a fear’, while others are uncountable, like ‘music’, ‘love’, and ‘information’.

Can a Word be Both a Noun and a Verb?

Yes, a word can act both as a noun and a verb based on the context.

For example, ‘run’ can be a verb as in ‘Rahul runs fast’ or a noun as in ‘Rahul had a run in the park’.

Abstract Noun Examples

Common Examples of Abstract Nouns

Words like ‘freedom’, ‘luck’, ‘childhood’, ‘courage’, ‘education’, and ‘knowledge’ are all examples of abstract nouns.

Abstract Nouns Used in Sentences

Here are a few examples of abstract nouns in sentences: “Priya has a great deal of courage.”, “His determination led him to success.”, “Her kindness is known to everyone.”

Formation of Abstract Nouns

Converting Verbs and Adjectives into Abstract Nouns

You can form abstract nouns from verbs and adjectives. For instance, the verb ‘to think’ can be converted into the abstract noun ‘thought’, and the adjective ‘happy’ can become the abstract noun ‘happiness’.

Converting Verbs to Abstract Nouns

Many abstract nouns are derived from verbs. For example, the verb ‘to decide’ can be transformed into the abstract noun ‘decision’.

Converting Adjectives to Abstract Nouns

Adjectives can also be transformed into abstract nouns. For example, the adjective ‘brave’ can be turned into the abstract noun ‘bravery’.

Forming Abstract Nouns with Suffixes

Suffixes are often used to create abstract nouns. For instance, adding ‘-ment’ to ‘govern’ forms ‘government’, and adding ‘-ity’ to ‘equal’ forms ‘equality’.
Here are some common suffixes and examples of how they can be used to form abstract nouns:

- -tion/-sion: This suffix is often used to convert verbs into abstract nouns. For example:
  Decide (verb) → Decision (abstract noun)
  Discuss (verb) → Discussion (abstract noun)
  Conclude (verb) → Conclusion (abstract noun)
  Confuse (verb) → Confusion (abstract noun)
  Expand (verb) → Expansion (abstract noun)
- -ment: This suffix is often used to convert verbs and adjectives into abstract nouns. For example:
  Develop (verb) → Development (abstract noun)
  Excite (verb) → Excitement (abstract noun)
  Govern (verb) → Government (abstract noun)
  Content (adjective) → Contentment (abstract noun)
  Enrich (verb) → Enrichment (abstract noun)
- -ism: This suffix is often used to form abstract nouns that describe a belief, ideology, or system. For example:
  Capital (adjective) → Capitalism (abstract noun)
  Feminine (adjective) → Feminism (abstract noun)
  Patriot (noun) → Patriotism (abstract noun)
  Racism (noun) → Racism (abstract noun)
  Buddhism (noun) → Buddhism (abstract noun)
- -ness: This suffix is often used to form abstract nouns that describe a quality or state of being. For example:
  Happy (adjective) → Happiness (abstract noun)
  Brave (adjective) → Bravery (abstract noun)
  Dark (adjective) → Darkness (abstract noun)
  Kind (adjective) → Kindness (abstract noun)
  Soft (adjective) → Softness (abstract noun)

Conversion of an Abstract Noun from a Common Noun

Common nouns can be transformed into abstract nouns by adding certain suffixes. For example, ‘friend’ (common noun) can be converted into ‘friendship’ (abstract noun).

Conversion of an Abstract Noun from an Adjective

The adjective ‘patient’ can be turned into the abstract noun ‘patience’, and ‘angry’ can be turned into ‘anger’.

Conversion of an Abstract Noun from a Verb

The verb ‘to know’ can be converted into the abstract noun ‘knowledge’, and ‘to believe’ can become ‘belief’.

Usage of Abstract Nouns

Using Abstract Nouns in a Sentence

For example, “Ramesh is known for his honesty.” Here, ‘honesty’ is an abstract noun used to denote a quality.

When to Use Abstract Nouns—And When Not To

Abstract nouns are best used when you want to convey feelings, qualities, or ideas. However, avoid overusing them as it might make your writing or speech too abstract and less engaging.

Abstract Nouns in English Grammar

The Role of Abstract Nouns in English Grammar

Abstract nouns are key to expressing complex ideas and emotions, adding depth to our speech and writing.
Common Mistakes with Abstract Nouns

Common Errors in Using Abstract Nouns

Common mistakes with abstract nouns usually occur when they’re confused with concrete nouns. For instance, saying “I have happiness” instead of “I am happy”.

Abstract Nouns in Literature

The Significance of Abstract Nouns in Literature

Abstract nouns are used extensively in literature to convey deeper meanings and to evoke emotions. They help in building imagery and add depth to the narrative.

Tips and Tricks to Understand Abstract Nouns

Tips to Identify Abstract Nouns

Identify the context of the word. If it’s something intangible or something you can’t perceive through your senses, it’s likely an abstract noun.

Fun Exercises and Quizzes

Exercise 1: Identify the abstract noun(s) in each of the following sentences:

Ravi has an excellent memory.
His bravery during the fire was commendable.
She showed great kindness to the old man.
Priya has a deep love for animals.
I believe in the power of education.
Happiness is the key to a fulfilling life.
The beauty of the sunset was breathtaking.
Our freedom is precious.
Wisdom comes with age.
The cruelty of the situation was unbearable.
His honesty earned him respect.
The team showed great determination.
The movie was full of suspense.
His childhood was filled with adventures.
The power of imagination is limitless.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct abstract noun to complete the sentence:

His ____ was admirable. (Courage / Cat)
We should always seek ____ in everything. (House / Justice)
I was filled with _____ when I won the prize. (Joy / Apple)
She showed great _____ during her illness. (Resilience / Table)
His _____ for his family was touching. (Love / Cup)
The _____ of the situation shocked everyone. (Severity / Pen)
His _____ in the matter was appreciated. (Honesty / Chair)
She has a wonderful sense of ____. (Humor / Shoes)
Our teacher has a wealth of ____. (Knowledge / Bag)
The _____ of the scenery was mesmerizing. (Beauty / Bus)
He has great ____ for classical music. (Passion / Pencil)
Her _____ in her work is noticeable. (Dedication / Book)
It was an act of pure ____. (Generosity / Car)
His _____ towards the project is commendable. (Commitment / Keyboard)
The ____ of the subject is deep. (Complexity / Phone)

Exercise 3: Form an abstract noun from the following words:

Child
Happy
Brave
Strong
Intelligent
Friend
Justice
Know
Decide
Patient
Fool
Wise
Honest
Believe
Angry

Exercise 4: Decide whether each of the following sentences uses the abstract noun correctly. State True or False-

The bravery of the building is impressive.
His humor lightened the mood.
I can see her happiness.
Love is a powerful emotion.
My cup is full of knowledge.
The child showed amazing courage.
The song was full of sorrow.
The flower of success is sweet.
I put my faith in you.
His dishonesty disappointed me.
The determination won the game.
I can touch your sadness.
Our friendship has grown stronger over the years.
His kindness melted her heart.
This book is full of wisdom.

Exercise 5: Fill in the blank with an appropriate abstract noun:

His _____ was clear when he helped the old woman. (Kindness / Cake)
The ______ of the sun was stunning. (Beauty / Shoe)
The _____ of the situation overwhelmed me. (Gravity / Cup)
The sound of the violin filled the room with ____. (Melody / Table)
His _____ for music was visible to all. (Passion / Book)
The _____ of the situation was becoming clear. (Complexity / Chair)
The painter captured the ____ of the scene. (Tranquility / Pen)
The ____ of the cake was too much to resist. (Temptation / Apple)
His ____ towards his work is commendable. (Dedication / Car)
We should always respect the ____ of others. (Dignity / Phone)
The _____ was intense as we waited for the results. (Anticipation / Pencil)
The ____ of her poetry touched everyone. (Depth / Keyboard)
The play was full of ____. (Intrigue / Bag)
His _____ was appreciated by everyone. (Generosity / Shoes)
It was a moment of great ____. (Triumph / Bus)

Solutions:

Exercise 1: Identify the Abstract Nouns

Memory – Abstract nouns are intangible and memory refers to an intangible concept.
Bravery – It’s a quality and cannot be physically experienced.
Kindness – It’s a feeling or an attitude, thus an abstract noun.
Love – Love is a feeling, making it an abstract noun.
Power, Education – Both represent intangible concepts.
Happiness – It’s a feeling, thus an abstract noun.
Beauty – It’s a quality and cannot be physically experienced.
Freedom – Freedom is a concept, making it an abstract noun.
Wisdom – Wisdom is an intangible attribute.
Cruelty – Cruelty is an abstract concept, as it’s a feeling or behavior.
Honesty, Respect – Both are intangible qualities, making them abstract nouns.
Determination – It’s an intangible quality.
Suspense – It’s a feeling, making it an abstract noun.
Childhood – Childhood is a period, an intangible concept.
Power, Imagination – Both power and imagination are concepts, thus they are abstract nouns.

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Abstract Noun

His Courage was admirable. (Courage is an abstract noun denoting a quality, whereas ‘Cat’ is a concrete noun.)
We should always seek Justice in everything. (Justice is an abstract noun representing a concept, whereas ‘House’ is a concrete noun.)
I was filled with Joy when I won the prize. (Joy is an abstract noun that refers to a feeling, whereas ‘Apple’ is a concrete noun.)
She showed great Resilience during her illness. (Resilience is an abstract noun representing a quality, whereas ‘Table’ is a concrete noun.)
His Love for his family was touching. (Love is an abstract noun representing a feeling, whereas ‘Cup’ is a concrete noun.)
The Severity of the situation shocked everyone. (Severity is an abstract noun denoting a condition, whereas ‘Pen’ is a concrete noun.)
His Honesty in the matter was appreciated. (Honesty is an abstract noun representing a quality, whereas ‘Chair’ is a concrete noun.)
She has a wonderful sense of Humor. (Humor is an abstract noun representing a quality, whereas ‘Shoes’ are concrete nouns.)
Our teacher has a wealth of Knowledge. (Knowledge is an abstract noun denoting a concept, whereas ‘Bag’ is a concrete noun.)
The Beauty of the scenery was mesmerizing. (Beauty is an abstract noun representing a quality, whereas ‘Bus’ is a concrete noun.)
He has great Passion for classical music. (Passion is an abstract noun representing a feeling, whereas ‘Pencil’ is a concrete noun.)
Her Dedication in her work is noticeable. (Dedication is an abstract noun representing a quality, whereas ‘Book’ is a concrete noun.)
It was an act of pure Generosity. (Generosity is an abstract noun representing a quality, whereas ‘Car’ is a concrete noun.)
His Commitment towards the project is commendable. (Commitment is an abstract noun representing a dedication or obligation, whereas ‘Keyboard’ is a concrete noun.)
The Complexity of the subject is deep. (Complexity is an abstract noun denoting a condition, whereas ‘Phone’ is a concrete noun.)

Exercise 3: Form Abstract Nouns

Childhood – Derived from the common noun ‘child’ by adding ‘-hood’.
Happiness – Formed from the adjective ‘happy’ by adding ‘-ness’.
Bravery – Derived from the adjective ‘brave’ by adding ‘-ry’.
Strength – Formed from the adjective ‘strong’ by replacing ‘-ong’ with ‘-ength’.
Intelligence – Derived from the adjective ‘intelligent’ by replacing ‘-ent’ with ‘-ence’.
Friendship – Formed from the common noun ‘friend’ by adding ‘-ship’.
Justness – Derived from the common noun ‘justice’ by replacing ‘-ice’ with ‘-ness’.
Knowledge – Formed from the verb ‘know’ by replacing ‘-ow’ with ‘-nowledge’.
Decision – Derived from the verb ‘decide’ by replacing ‘-ide’ with ‘-ision’.
Patience – Formed from the adjective ‘patient’ by replacing ‘-ent’ with ‘-ence’.
Foolishness – Derived from the common noun ‘fool’ by adding ‘-ishness’.
Wisdom – Formed from the adjective ‘wise’ by replacing ‘-se’ with ‘-dom’.
Honesty – Derived from the adjective ‘honest’ by adding ‘-y’.
Belief – Formed from the verb ‘believe’ by replacing ‘-ieve’ with ‘-ief’.
Anger – Derived from the adjective ‘angry’ by replacing ‘-ry’ with ‘-er’.

Exercise 4: True or False

False – Bravery, an abstract noun, cannot be a characteristic of a building, which is a concrete noun.
True – Humor, an abstract noun, can lighten the mood, which is an intangible concept.
False – Happiness, an abstract noun, is an emotion and thus cannot be seen, a physical sensation.
True – Love is an abstract noun correctly used as an emotion.
False – A cup, a concrete noun, cannot be filled with knowledge, an abstract noun.
True – Courage, an abstract noun, can be shown by a child in certain situations.
True – Sorrow is an abstract noun correctly used to describe an emotion elicited by a song.
False – A flower, a concrete noun, cannot have success, an abstract noun.
True – Faith, an abstract noun, can be put in someone as a sign of trust.
True – Dishonesty, an abstract noun, can lead to feelings of disappointment.
False – Determination, an abstract noun, cannot win a game, a physical event.
False – Sadness, an abstract noun, is an emotion and thus cannot be touched, a physical sensation.
True – Friendship, an abstract noun, can grow stronger over the years, signifying an emotional bond.
True – Kindness, an abstract noun, can melt someone’s heart, an idiomatic expression meaning causing someone to feel fondness or sympathy.
True – A book can be full of wisdom, an abstract noun meaning knowledge.

Exercise 5: Fill in the Blank

His Kindness was clear when he helped the old woman. (Kindness is an abstract noun and fits in the context, unlike ‘cake’, a concrete noun.)
The Beauty of the sun was stunning. (Beauty is an abstract noun, while ‘shoe’ is a concrete noun and does not fit the context.)
The Gravity of the situation overwhelmed me. (Gravity here is an abstract noun meaning seriousness. A cup is a concrete noun and doesn’t fit in this context.)
The sound of the violin filled the room with Melody. (Melody is an abstract noun, whereas ‘table’ is a concrete noun and does not fit the context.)
His Passion for music was visible to all. (Passion is an abstract noun, while ‘book’ is a concrete noun and does not fit the context.)
The Complexity of the situation was becoming clear. (Complexity is an abstract noun, whereas ‘chair’ is a concrete noun and does not fit the context.)
The painter captured the Tranquility of the scene. (Tranquility is an abstract noun, whereas ‘pen’ is a concrete noun and does not fit the context.)
The Temptation of the cake was too much to resist. (Temptation is an abstract noun, whereas ‘apple’ is a concrete noun and does not fit the context.)
His Dedication towards his work is commendable. (Dedication is an abstract noun, whereas ‘car’ is a concrete noun and does not fit the context.)
We should always respect the Dignity of others. (Dignity is an abstract noun, whereas ‘phone’ is a concrete noun and does not fit the context.)
The Anticipation was intense as we waited for the results. (Anticipation is an abstract noun, whereas ‘pencil’ is a concrete noun and does not fit the context.)
The Depth of her poetry touched everyone. (Depth is an abstract noun, whereas ‘keyboard’ is a concrete noun and does not fit the context.)
The play was full of Intrigue. (Intrigue is an abstract noun, whereas ‘bag’ is a concrete noun and does not fit the context.)
His Generosity was appreciated by everyone. (Generosity is an abstract noun, whereas ‘shoes’ is a concrete noun and does not fit the context.)
It was a moment of great Triumph. (Triumph is an abstract noun, whereas ‘bus’ is a concrete noun and does not fit the context.)