QQ.3 Identify abstract and concrete nouns
What is a noun?
A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea. Nouns help us tell who or what a sentence is about.
- teacher (person)
- school (place)
- book (thing)
- friendship (idea)
If you can name it, think it, or talk about it, it may be a noun.
What are concrete nouns?
Concrete nouns name people, places, or things that can be seen, heard, touched, tasted, or smelled.
- dog
- apple
- music
- playground
If you can use one of your five senses to notice it, it is a concrete noun.
What are abstract nouns?
Abstract nouns name ideas, feelings, or qualities that cannot be seen or touched.
- happiness
- honesty
- bravery
- love
If you cannot use your senses to notice it, but you can feel or understand it, it is an abstract noun.
Comparing concrete and abstract nouns
Concrete and abstract nouns both name things, but they are different in what they represent.
- chair (concrete) — you can sit on it
- comfort (abstract) — how you feel when sitting
- teacher (concrete) — a person you see
- knowledge (abstract) — what you learn
Sometimes a concrete noun and an abstract noun are connected, but they are not the same.
Using abstract and concrete nouns in sentences
Writers use both abstract and concrete nouns to make sentences clear and interesting.
- The child showed great kindness.
- The rain filled the air with joy.
- The team felt pride after the game.
Concrete nouns help readers see the details, and abstract nouns help readers understand feelings and ideas.