There are several different types of
nouns used to name people, animals, places, things, and ideas. Here, we’ll take a quick look at various types of nouns so you can recognize them when you see them and use them appropriately in sentences.
Types of Nouns in English
Nouns are among the most important words in the English language – without them, we’d have a difficult time speaking and writing about anything. This guide to noun types is intended as a basic overview. Every type of noun comes with its own rules, so be sure to read more in our pages about specific types of nouns.
Abstract Nouns
Abstract nouns are those referring to ideas, concepts, emotions, and other “things” you can’t physically interact with. You can’t see, taste, touch, smell, or hear something named with an abstract noun. Some abstract noun examples are included in the following sentences.
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.
Collective Nouns
When talking about types of noun, it’s important to remember collective nouns. A collective noun is a word that refers to a group. It can be either singular or plural, but is usually used in the singular. Some collective noun examples are included in the following sentences.
Our
team is enjoying an unbroken winning streak.
There’s a
pack of hyenas outside.
Watch out for that
swarm of bees.
You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a
herd of wild horses.
Our
class graduates two years from now.
Common Nouns
Common nouns are used to refer to general things rather than specific examples. Common nouns are not normally capitalized unless they are used as part of a proper name or are placed at the beginning of a sentence. Some common noun examples are included in the following sentences.
Be sure to pick a top
university.
Stack those
boxes carefully.
Would you like a
cookie with your
coffee?
People are strange.
My
dog won’t stop barking.
Concrete Nouns
Concrete nouns are words used for actual things you can touch, see, taste, feel, and hear – things you interact with every day. Notice that concrete nouns can also be countable, uncountable, common, proper, and collective nouns. Some concrete noun examples are included in the following sentences.
Please remember to buy
oranges.
Have a seat in that
chair.