types of Common Nouns| definition, formation, examples

Common Nouns can further be divided into two types based on the virtual and physical existence of the things.

1. Collective Nouns

Common Nouns that are the names of collections of persons or things are called Collective Nouns. Collective Nouns are the collection of persons or things that are always taken together and spoken of as one whole. For example:

• Crowd

           A collection of people.

• Mob

         A large crowd of people, especially one that is disorderly and intent on causing trouble or violence.

• Team

         A group of players forms one side in a competitive game or sport.                                                                                 

• Flock

         A group of animals (such as birds or sheep) assembled or herded together.

• Herd

        A typically large group of animals of one kind is kept together under human control e.g., a herd of cattle.

• Army

           A collection of soldiers.

• Fleet

           A collection of ships or vessels.

• Jury

           A body of people (typically twelve in number) is sworn to give a verdict in a legal case based on evidence submitted to them in court.

• Family

            A group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit.

• Nation

            A large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory.

• Parliament

        (In the UK) the highest legislature, consisting of the Sovereign, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons.

• Committee

            A body of persons delegated to consider, investigate, take action on, or report on some matter.

2. Abstract Nouns

A Common Noun which is the name of some quality, action, or state, is called Abstract Noun. The word “Abstract” means “drawn off”. So, Abstract Nouns can also be considered apart from the object to which it belongs.

The names of different types of arts, as well as sciences, are also considered Abstract Nouns. For example:

• Music
• Dance
• Chemistry
• Physics

Quality

• Goodness
• Kindness
• Hardness
• Honesty
• Wisdom

Action

• Laughter
• Theft
• Hatred
• Judgment
• Movement

State

• Childhood
• Youth
• Slavery
• Sleep
• Sickness
• Death
• Poverty

Formation of the Abstract Nouns

Abstract Nouns can be formed from adjectives, verbs, and common nouns.

Formation of Abstract Nouns from Adjectives

Abstract Nouns can be formed from Adjectives. The Abstract Nouns that are formed from adjectives, are generally present the qualities which can be considered apart from the object.

Formation of Abstract Nouns from Verbs

Abstract Nouns can be formed from Verbs. The Abstract Nouns formed from verbs generally present the actions that can be considered apart from the object.

Formation of Abstract Nouns from Common Nouns

Abstract Nouns can be formed from Common Nouns. The Abstract Nouns that are formed from common nouns are generally present as names that can be considered apart from the object to which they belong.

Abstract Nouns as Proper Nouns

Sometimes, Abstract Nouns are used as Proper Nouns, when they are personified;

• O Death! where are thou?

When an Abstract Noun is used as a Proper Noun, it should begin with a Capital Letter.