Nouns

A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea.

Common Nouns and Proper Nouns

Common nouns refer to common, everyday things.

The dog sleeps in her own bed.

His friend is crazy about popcorn.

My cousin went to college.

A proper noun refers to specific things that are unique or have names. Proper nouns begin with capital letters.

My friend Miranda is from Wyoming.

In 2001 Halloween falls on a Wednesday.

Most Ecuadorians practice Christianity.

Concrete Nouns and Abstract Nouns

A concrete noun names something you can experience with at least one of your senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell). Most nouns are concrete nouns.

My ice melted in the sun.

Darrel's kitten tore apart the yarn.

Thunder rattled our windows.

An abstract noun names something you cannot experience with your senses. Sometimes abstract nouns are called "idea nouns."

Sandra's courage and curiosity made her a good explorer.

It's important to have respect in a friendship.

Honesty is usually the best policy.

See also: Nouns: Prime-Time Players, Noun Clauses:, and Appositives.

Fact Monster/Information Please® Database, © 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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