Nouns can be classified into several types. Most nouns fall into more than one category.
Common vs. Proper
| Type | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Common | General name for a thing | city, river, month, dog |
| Proper | Specific name (always capitalised) | Paris, Nile, January, Fido |
Concrete vs. Abstract
| Type | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Can be experienced with senses | table, apple, rain, music |
| Abstract | Idea or quality, cannot be touched | love, time, freedom, knowledge |
Countable vs. Uncountable
| Type | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Countable | Can be counted (singular & plural) | one cat, two cats, many books |
| Uncountable | Cannot be counted with numbers | water, information, rice, advice |
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns name a group of people, animals, or things:
- A team of players
- A flock of birds
- A crowd of people
- A bunch of grapes
Compound Nouns
Compound nouns are made of two or more words:
- Closed: toothbrush, bedroom, haircut
- Open: ice cream, post office, swimming pool
- Hyphenated: mother-in-law, check-in