Master Abstract Nouns: Definition, Examples & Guide

What is an Abstract Noun?

In the realm of grammar, the term abstract noun hides in plain sight. Wondering, ‘what is an abstract noun?‘ More than just a fancy jargon, abstract nouns form the backbone of English language, helping us express complex ideas and emotions.

An abstract noun represents an idea, quality, emotion or concept, something that can’t be touched or seen. It’s the opposite of concrete nouns, which are tangible and can be experienced through our five senses.

Abstract Noun Examples

To take the guesswork out of identifying abstract nouns, let’s explore some examples. Words like love, hatred, creativity, joy, wisdom, or bravery all fall into this category. These are abstract words that we can’t physically interact with but represent important concepts or feelings.

• Love is a powerful emotion.
• The team showed great bravery.
• His creativity is admired by everyone.

How to Use Abstract Nouns

To master the art of using abstract nouns, remember they’re typically used to convey feelings, concepts, ideas, or experiences. They can be the subject of a sentence, the object of a sentence, or even the complement of a sentence.

Take, for instance, the following examples:

• Subject: Happiness is infectious.
• Object: She spreads kindness wherever she goes.
• Complement: The idea is genius.

Common Questions About Abstract Nouns

Can an Abstract Noun Start a Sentence?

Absolutely, an abstract noun can start a sentence. For instance, “Justice should be served to all.” Here, ‘Justice’ is the abstract noun that initiates the sentence.

Can an Abstract Noun be Plural?

Yes, an abstract noun can be used in the plural form if it can have different types or instances. For example, we can have many ‘fears’ or various ‘joys’.

In Conclusion

Understanding what is an abstract noun and how to use it accurately can elevate your command over the English language. By practicing and incorporating these abstract words in your daily language, you’ll reflexively enable yourself to express intricate emotions and abstract ideas more effectively. So, keep learning and keep evolving with us!