Concrete and Abstract Nouns

Concrete Nouns

A concrete noun names a person, place, or thing. It may be either common or proper.

Abstract Nouns

An abstract noun names something that cannot be seen or touched. It names something that you can only think about. An abstract noun can be common or proper as well.

Examples 1

We practice identifying concrete and abstract nouns. Tell whether each noun below is concrete or abstract.

Solutions

1. abstract (Hinduism is a religion.)
2. abstract (We can only think about hope.)
3. concrete
4. abstract
5. concrete
6. abstract
7. abstract (We can only think about faith.)
8. concrete
9. concrete
10. abstract

Examples 2

We practice identifying concrete and abstract nouns. For sentences 1-6, write each noun and label it C for concrete or A for abstract.

1. The doctrines of Islam call for justice and peace among all people of the world.
2. With courage and determination, Olaf climbed Mount Everest.
3. Does Onping speak Cantonese as well as English?
4. Priests of Catholicism practice celibacy, availability, and godliness.
5. With courage and determination, supporters of the Constitution brought the document before the states.
6. Did Gouverneur Morris study Latin as well as English?

Solutions

1. doctrines–A; Islam–A; justice–A; peace–A; people–C; world–C
2. courage–A; determination–A; Olaf–C; Mount Everest–C
3. Onping–C; Cantonese–A; English–A
4. Priests–C; Catholicism–A; celibacy–A; availability–A; godliness–A
5. courage–A; determination–A; Constitution–C; document–C; states–C
6. Gouverneur Morris–C; Latin–A; English–A

Examples 3

Write each abstract noun from the following sentences:

1. Grandpa was a man of courage and perseverance.
2. Do you believe that communism will solve our problems?
3. Without a doubt, my brother is an optimist.
4. That actor entertains futile hopes for fame.
5. Do not forsake honesty.

Solutions

1. courage, perseverance
2. communism, problems
3. doubt, optimist
4. hopes, fame
5. honesty

Examples 4

Write each concrete noun from the following sentences:

1. The thief bowed her head with shame.
2. The judge tapped the gavel three times.
3. Aunt Sue has never spent time in prison.
4. Mostly my aunt fears what her children will think.
5. The money has not improved her life.

Solutions

1. thief, head
2. judge, gavel
3. Aunt Sue, prison
4. aunt, children
5. money