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 auxiliary 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
- Hate
- Anger
- Peace
- Pride
- Sympathy
States/Attributes
- Bravery
- Loyalty
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Compassion
- Charity
- Success
- Courage
- Deceit
- Skill
- Beauty
- Brilliance
- Pain
- Misery
Ideas/Concepts/Ideals
- Beliefs
- Dreams
- Justice
- Truth
- Faith
- Liberty
- Knowledge
- Thought
- Information
- Culture
- Trust
- Dedication
Movements/Events
- Progress
- Education
- Hospitality
- Leisure
- Trouble
- Friendships
- Relaxation
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
- -ness
- -age
- -ance/-ence
- -ship
- -ability
- -acy
Using Abstract vs. Concrete Nouns in Writing
Abstraction is an important part of communication. These nouns name things that can't be seen, heard, tasted, smelled or touched, but allow us to express information by defining them on some level. An important precaution for students and writers, however, is that there is the danger of the being misunderstood when using abstract forms in writing.
Words like love, freedom, beauty, taste, and justice, might mean different things to different people. To one person, good taste means eclectic and original; to another good taste might mean clean and modern. Teachers and writing coaches often recommend using concrete nouns to support any abstract references, thereby clarifying the message you are trying to convey. Understanding and recognizing abstract nouns is important. Although these nouns give expression to intangible entities, sentences with fewer abstract and more concrete nouns are typically more concise and clear.
Teaching Tools and Resources
Teachers might begin lessons on differentiating abstract and concrete forms of nouns in elementary school and reinforce the concept in middle school. ESL students may also complete lesson plans and activities based on abstract nouns. For example:
- English the Easy Way
- Lesson Plan Page Abstract and Other Nouns
- Abstract and Concrete Differentiating Activities for Elementary School
- Poetry Exercise Using Abstract Forms of Nouns
- Nominalization Lesson