There are generally 8 types of nouns in English grammar. They are proper nouns, common nouns, concrete nouns, abstract nouns, compound nouns, collective nouns, countable nouns and non-countable nouns.
What are the 8 Types of Nouns List? – Table of Content
- Proper Nouns
- Common Nouns
- Concrete Nouns
- Abstract Nouns
- Compound Nouns
- Collective Nouns
- Countable Nouns
- Non-countable Nouns
What is a Simple Definition of a Noun?
Simple Definition: Nouns name a person, place, thing or idea.
Some Examples of Nouns in Sentences!
- Matthew and Mark both wrote a book in the Bible. (referring to a person)
- The football team won by pure luck. (referring to an idea)
- The large shed collapsed in the wild storm. (referring to a thing)
- He achieved great success in life. (referring to an idea)
Let’s look at each individual type of noun so that we can identify these nouns in sentences.
1. Proper Nouns
Definition: Proper nouns refer to specific persons, places or things.
Proper nouns begin with a capital letter and this generally distinguishes them from common nouns.
Let’s look at several examples of proper nouns referring to persons, places and things.
- Jonathan renovated his new house during his holidays. (referring to a person)
- My family went to Europe during the winter of 2014. (referring to a place)
- I bought my new computer from Amazon. (referring to a thing)
- Dr. Robinson helped with my persistent headaches. (referring to a person)
2. Common Nouns
Definition: Common nouns refer to any persons, places or things.
Here are some examples of common nouns!
- Several boats drifted off-shore during the storm. (referring to a thing)
- A couple of boys were seen leaving the scene of the crime. (referring to persons)
- He was caught in an isolated town. (referring to a place)
- Some people acted inappropriately during the debate. (referring to persons)
3. Concrete Nouns
Definition: Concrete nouns refer to things in their material form.
Here are some examples of concrete nouns!
- The table in the dining room has been refurbished.
- The house down the road was broken into by thieves over the weekend.
- During the holidays, the boys worked on their motor-bike.
- Several cars were damaged overnight during the vicious storm.
4. Abstract Nouns
Definition: Abstract nouns refer to concepts, ideas and emotions.
Here are some examples of abstract nouns!
- James struggled with forgiveness when hurt by his friends.
- Peter showed great courage by helping the victims in the train accident.
- Patience is something that I don’t process.
- God provides many opportunities to share our faith.
- Success is often build on hard word.
- His love for her is very obvious.
5. Compound Nouns
Definition: Compound nouns combine two or more words together.
Here are some examples of compound nouns!
- James and Peter were classmates during their college years.
- Dad and mum always eat breakfast together.
- The college students struggled with their homework over the weekend breaks.
- I saw Robert at the bus stop this morning.
- The policewoman arrived late for court.
- The sunrise was beautiful this morning.
6. Collective Nouns
Definition: Collective nouns combine refer to groups or a collection or a number of persons or things.
Here are some examples of collective nouns!
- The congregation listened attentively to the minister’s message.
- My team of workers finished the building project in time to receive the bonus payment.
- Trump spoke to a large audience at his rallies.
- They formed a committee to work on the company’s problems.
- The bike gang was arrested for drug possession.
- Candice purchased a pair of shoes for the wedding.
7. Countable Nouns
Definition: Countable nouns can be counted whether singular or plural.
Here are some examples of countable nouns!
- Jennifer reads several books during the year.
- I have two computers in my office.
- David has four sheds on his farm for machinery storage.
- The tanks are full of water since the heavy rain during the week.
- I moved several desks to make space for more college students in the classroom.
- There were five vehicles damaged in the collision on the highway.
Learn the difference between countable and uncountable nouns!
8. Uncountable Nouns
Definition: Uncountable nouns cannot be counted.
Here are some examples of uncountable nouns!
- Jennifer received information about her sister’s accident.
- I gave advice to my patient concerning the operation.
- James put the milk on the table for breakfast.
- I added sugar to my coffee to make it taste better.
- David poured water in the kettle to make a cup of coffee.
- Without oxygen we would not survive as the human race.
Discover the difference between countable and uncountable nouns!
List of 8 Types of Nouns
| ORDER | TYPE OF NOUN | EXAMPLES |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proper Nouns | David, Europe, Amazon |
| 2 | Common Nouns | boat, boy, town |
| 3 | Concrete Nouns | table, house car |
| 4 | Abstract Nouns | love, forgiveness, success |
| 5 | Compound Nouns | bus stop, policeman, sunrise |
| 6 | Collective Nouns | team, gang, audience |
| 7 | Countable Nouns | books, tanks, vehicles |
| 8 | Uncountable nouns | information, advice, oxygen |