A Noun is a word used as the name of a person, place or thing.

Sallahudeen was a wise king.The noun Sallahudeen refers to a

particular king, but the noun king can be applied to any other king as well as to Sallahudeen.

We call Sallahudeen a Proper Noun, and a king a Common Noun.

Mona is a Proper Noun, while girl is a Common Noun.

Ali is a Proper Noun, While boy is a Common Noun.

Cairo is a Proper Noun, While town is a Common Noun.

Egypt is a Proper Noun, While country is a Common Noun.

The word girl is a Common Noun because it is a name common to all girls, while Mona is a Proper Noun because it is the name of a particular girl

Def._ A common Noun is a name given in common to every person or thing of the same class or kind. (Common here means shared by all).

Def._ A Proper Noun is the name of some Particular person or place. (Proper means one’s own. Hence a Proper Name is a person’s own name)

Note 1_ Proper Nouns are always written with a capital letter at the beginning.

Note 2_ Proper Nouns are sometimes used as Common Nouns; as in:

He is the Shakespeare (= the greatest dramatist) of his time.

Common Nouns include what are called Collective Nouns and Abstract Nouns.

A collective Noun is the name of a number (or collection) of persons or things taken together and spoken as one whole; as, Crowd, mob, team, flock, herd, army, fleet, jury, family, nation, parliament, committee.

A fleet = a collection of ships or vessels.An army = a collection of soldiers.A crowd = a collection of people.The police dispersed the crowd.The French army was defeated in

Waterloo.The herd of cattle is passing.

An Abstract Noun is usually the name of a quality, action, or state considered a part from the object which belongs to; as,

Quality_ Goodness, kindness, whiteness, darkness, hardness, brightness, honesty, wisdom, bravery.Action_ Laughter, theft, movement, judgment, hatred. State_ Childhood, boyhood, youth, slavery, sleep, sickness, death, poverty.The names of Arts and Science (e.g.,

grammar, music, chemistry etc.) are also Abstract Nouns.

Abstract Nouns are formed_(1)From adjectives; as, kindness

from kind; honesty from honest.(2)From Verbs; as, Obedience from

obey; growth from grow.(3)From Common Nouns; as,

Childhood from child; slavery from slave.

Point out the nouns in the following sentences, and say whether they are Common, Proper, Collective or Abstract:

1. The crowd was very big.2. Always say the truth.3. We all love honesty.4. Our class consists of twenty pupils.5. The elephant has great srtrength.

6. Solomon was famous for his wisdom.7. Cleanliness is wonderful.8. We saw a fleet of ships in the harbor.9. The class is studying grammar.10.The Nile overflows its banks every

year.

1. crowd: Collective2. truth: Abstract3. honesty: Abstract4. class: Collective/ pupils: Common5. elephant: Common/ strength: Abstract6. Solomon: Proper/ wisdom: Abstract7. Cleanliness: Abstract.8. fleet: collective/ harbor: Common9. class: collective/ grammar: Abstract10.Nile: Proper/ bank, year: Common

song—songs The plural of most nouns is

formed by adding final –sbox—boxes Final -es is added to nouns

that end in -sh, -ch, -s, -z, and - x

baby—babies The plural of words that end in a consonant + -y is spelled -ie s

man - menwoman - womenchild- children

ox - oxenfoot – feet goose - geese

tooth – teethmouse – micelouse – lice

The above nouns have irregular plural forms that don’t end in –s.

echo – echoeshero - heroes

potato – potatoestomato - tomatoes

Some nouns that end in -o add -es to form the plural.

auto—autosghetto—ghettoskangaroo—kangarooskilo—kilosmemo—memos

photo—photospiano—pianosradio— radiossolo—solossoprano— sopranos

studio—studiostatoo— tatoos

video— videoszoo—zoos

Some nouns that end in -o add only -s to form the plural.

note : When in doubt, use your dictionary or spellcheck.

memento— mementoes/mementosmosquito— mosquitoes /mosquitostornado— tornadoes/tornadosvolcano— volcanoes/volcanoszero—zeroes/zeros Some nouns that end in -o add either -

es or -s to form the plural (with -es being the more usual plural form).

calf—calveshalf— halvesknife—knivesleaf—leaves

life—livesloaf—loaves self—selvesshelf—shelves

thief— thieveswolf—wolves

scarf— scarves /scarfs

Some nouns that end in -f or –fe are changed to -ves to form the plural

belief— beliefschief— chiefs

cliff—cliffsroof—roofs

Some nouns that end in - f simply add -s to form the plural.

one deer— two deer one fish— two fishone means— two meansone offspring— two offspring

one series— two seriesone sheep— two sheepone shrimp— two shrimp one species— two species

Some nouns have the same singular and plural form: e.g.,

One deer is ___Two deer are ___

criterion—criteriaphenomenon—phenomena

bacterium—bacteria curriculum—curricula datum— data medium—mediamemorandum—memoranda

analysis—analysesbasis—basescrisis—criseshypothesis—hypothesesparenthesis—parenthesesthesis— theses

Some nouns that English has borrowed from other languages have foreign plurals.

Write the plural form of each word in the correct column. Some forms have two possible spellings.

Belief deer leaf photo tomatobox fish life potato videochief hero loaf scarf wolfclass kilo match sheep zoocloud knife memo shelf

_s-es-vesno change

beliefsheroesknivesdeer

chiefsboxesleavesfish

cloudsclasseslivessheep

kilosmatchesloaves

potatoesscarves

tomatoesshelves

Fishes (rare)

wolves

Exercise 5, p.103

Homework

3. men4. attorneys5. discoveries . . . laboratories6. boxes . . . oxen7. beaches . . . cliffs8. pianos9. phenomena10. media

Change the nouns to plural as necessary. Do not change any other words.

(1) Bacterium are the smallest living thing. They are simple organism that consist of

one cell.

(1) Bacteria are the smallest living things. They are simple organisms that consist of one cell.

(2) Bacterium exist almost everywhere. They are in the air, water, and soil as well as in the body of all living creature.

(2) Bacteria exist almost everywhere. They are in the air, water, and soil, as well as in the bodies of all living creatures.

(3) There are thousand of kind of bacterium. Most of them are harmless to human being, but some cause diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.

(3) There are thousands of kinds of bacteria. Most of them are harmless to human beings, but some cause diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.

(4) Virus are also microscopic organism, but virus live in the cell of other living thing. By themselves, they are lifeless particle that cannot reproduce, but inside a living cell they become active and can multiply hundred of time.

(4) Viruses are also microscopic organisms, but viruses live in the cells of other living things. By themselves, they are lifeless

particles that cannot reproduce, but inside a living cell they become active and can multiply hundreds of times.

(5) Virus cause many disease. They infect human being with such illness as influenza, the common cold, measles, and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

(5) Viruses cause many diseases. They infect human beings with such illnesses as influenza, the common cold, measles, and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

(6) Virus are tiny. The virus that causes AIDS is 230 million times smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. Some viral infection are difficult or impossible to treat.

(6) Viruses are tiny. The virus that causes AIDS is 230 million times smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. Some viral infections are difficult or impossible to treat.

Singular Nouns

Possessive Form

the girlthe girl’sTomTom’smy wifemy wife’sa ladya lady’sThomasThomas’s /Thomas’

To show possession, add an apostrophe (’) and -s to a singular noun: The girl’s book is on the table. If a singular noun ends in -s, there are two possible forms:

1. Add an apostrophe and -s: Thomas’s book.

2. Add only an apostrophe: Thomas’ book.

Plural NounPossessive Form

the girlsthe wivesthe ladiesthe menthe children

the girls’the wives’the ladies’the men’sthe children’s

Add only an apostrophe to a plural noun that ends in -s: The girls’ books are on the table.

Add an apostrophe and –s to plural nouns that do not end in -s: The men’s books are on the table.

Alan and Lisa's apartment is on the third floor.

When two (or more) names are connected by and, only the final name shows possession.

Complete the sentences. Use the possessive form of the nouns in parentheses.

2. The (boy)____ hat is red.3. The (boys) ____ hats are red.4. The (children) ____ toys are all

over the floor.5. I fixed the (child) ____ bicycle.

6. (Sally)_____ last name is White.7. (Bess) _____last name is Young.8. There are many problems in (today)

_____world.9. It would cost me a (month) _____salary

to buy that refrigerator.10. We went to (Jack and Larry)

__________ house for dinner.

2. boy’s 7. Bess’s/Bess’3. boys’ 8. today’s4. children’s 9. month’s5. child’s 10. Jack and Larry’s6. Sally’s

Correct the errors. Use the possessive nouns by adding apostrophes and final -s/-es as necessary.

3. My uncle is my father brother.4. I have four aunts. All of my aunt

homes are within walking distance of my mother apartment.

5. Esteban’s aunt oldest son is a violinist.

3. My uncle is my father’s brother.4. I have four aunts. All of my

aunts’ homes are within walking distance of my mother’s apartment.

5. Esteban’s aunt’s oldest son is a violinist.

6. Bill wife is a factory worker.7. I walked into my boss office.8. I borrowed the secretary pen to fill out

the application form.9. Five astronauts were aboard the space

shuttle. The astronaut safe return to earth was a welcome sight to millions of television viewers.

6. Bill’s wife is a factory worker.7. I walked into my boss’s/boss’ office.8. I borrowed the secretary’s pen to fill

out the application form.9. Five astronauts were aboard the space

shuttle. The astronauts’ safe return to earth was a welcome sight to millions of television viewers.

10. It is the people right to know what the city is going to do about the housing problem.

11. Quite a few diplomats are assigned to our city. Almost all of the diplomat children attend a special school.

12. A diplomat work invariably involves numerous meetings.

10. It is the people’s right to know what the city is going to do about the housing problem.

11. Quite a few diplomats are assigned to our city. Almost all of the diplomats’ children attend a special school.

12. A diplomat’s work invariably involves numerous meetings.

Correct the errors in the use of possessive nouns by adding apostrophes as necessary.

2 .Psychologists have developed many different kinds of tests. A “personality test” is used to evaluate an individuals personal characteristics, such as friendliness or trustworthiness.

2. Psychologists have developed many different kinds of tests. A “personality test” is used to evaluate an individual’s personal characteristics, such as

friendliness or trustworthiness.

3. Many mythological stories tell of heroes encounters with giants or dangerous animals. In one story, the heros encounter with a dragon saves a village from destruction.

3. Many mythological stories tell of heroes’ encounters with giants or dangerous animals. In one story, the hero’s encounter with a dragon saves a village from destruction.

Complete the sentences with the words in italics. Use the singular or plural form as appropriate. Include hyphens (-) as necessary.

2. flowerMy garden has ____________________in it. It is a ________________________garden

3. beanThis soup is made from black____________________. It is black______________________soup.

4. babyPeople can buy special food in small jars for _______________It is called ______________________ food.

5. childDr. Adams is trained as a psychologist for __________________She is a ________________________ psychologist.

6. saladAt a formal dinner, there are usually two forks on the table. The smaller fork is for ______________. It is a _____________ fork.

7. mosquitoIn tropical climates, sometimes it is necessary to hang a net over a bed to protect the sleeper from __________________. It is called a _______________________ net.

8. two + hourThe plane was late. We a ______________________ wait. We had to wait for _______________________________.

9. Ten + year + old

My brother is ____________________________________. I have a ______________________________brother.

10. Three + letter

Arm and dog are _______________________________ words. Each word has ________________________________.

2. flowers . . . flower3. beans . . . bean4. babies . . . baby5. children . . . child6. salads . . . salad7. mosquitoes/mosquitos . . . mosquito8. two-hour . . . two hours9. ten years old . . . ten-year-old10. three-letter . . . three letters

SingularPlural

Count Nouna chairone chair

two chairssome chairsa lot of chairsmany chairschairs

count noun:(1) may be preceded by a/an or one in the singular.(2) takes a final -s/-es in the plural

SingularPlural

Noncount Nouns

some furniturea lot of furnituremuch furniture furniture

A noncount noun:(1) is not immediately preceded by a/an or one.(2) has no plural form, so does not add a final -s/-es.

Look at the italicized nouns. Write “C” above the count nouns and “NC” above the noncount nouns.

2. Michiko likes to wear jewelry. Today she is wearing four rings, six bracelets, and a necklace.

3. We saw beautiful mountains, fields, and lakes on our trip. We saw beautiful scenery.

4. Gold and iron are metals.

2. Michiko likes to wear jewelry(NC). Today she is wearing four rings(C), six bracelets(C), and a necklace(C).

3. We saw beautiful mountains(C), fields(C), and lakes(C) on our trip. We saw beautiful scenery(NC).

4. Gold(NC) and iron(NC) are metals(C).

2. jewelry (NC) rings (C)bracelets (C)necklace (C)3.mountains (C)fields (C)lakes (C)scenery (NC)4. Gold (NC) 6 car (C) iron (NC) engine (C) metals (C) furniture (NC) refrigerator (C)5. iron (C) junk (NC)

I bought some chairs, tables, and desks. In other words, I bought some furniture.

Many noncount nouns refer to a “whole” that is made up of different parts.

Furniture represents a whole group of things that is made up of similar but separate items.

I put some sugar in my coffee.

Sugar and coffee represent whole masses made up of individual particles or elements.

To express a particular quantity, some noncount nouns may be preceded by unit expressions: a spoonful of sugar, a glass of water, a cup of coffee, a quart of milk, a loaf of bread, a grain of rice, a bowl of soup, a bag of flour, a pound of meat, a piece of furniture, a piece of paper, a piece of jewelry.

I wish you luck. Many noncount nouns are

abstractions.Luck is an abstract concept, an

abstract “whole.”It has no physical form; you can’t

touch it; you can't count it.

Sunshine is warm and cheerful. A phenomenon of nature, such

as sunshine, is frequently used as a noncount noun.

noncount: Ann has brown hair.count: Tom has a hair on his

jacket.noncount: I opened the

curtains to let in some light.count: Don’t forget to turn off

the light before you go to bed.

Many nouns can be used as either noncount or count nouns, but the meaning is different.

(Dictionaries written especially for learners of English as a second language are a good source of information on count /noncount usage of nouns.)

This list is a sample of nouns that are commonly used as noncount nouns. Many other nouns can also be used as noncount nouns.

(a ) whole groups made up of similar items: baggage , clothing, equipment, food, fruit, furniture, garbage , ha rdware, jewelry, junk, luggage, machinery, mail, makeup, money/cash/change, postage, scenery,

stuff, traffic, etc .

(b) fluids : water, coffee, tea, milk, oil, soup, gasoline, blood, etc.

(c) solids : ice, bread, butter, cheese, meat, gold, iron, silver, glass, paper, wood, cotton, wool, etc.

(d) gases : steam, air, oxygen, nitrogen, smoke, smog, pollution, etc.

(e) particle s : rice, chalk, corn, dirt, dust, flour, grass, hair, pepper, salt, sand, sugar, wheat, etc.

( f) abstractions :— beauty, confidence, courage, education,

enjoyment, fun, happiness, health, help, honesty, hospitality, importance, intelligence, justice, knowledge, laughter, luck, music, patience, peace, pride, progress, recreation, significance, sleep, truth, violence, wealth, etc.

— advice, information, news, evidence, proof, etc.— time, space, energy, etc.— homework, work, etc.— grammar, slang, vocabulary, etc.

(g) languages : Arabic, Chinese, English, Spanish, etc.

(h) fields of study : chemistry, engineering, history, literature, mathematics, psychology, etc.

( i) recreation : baseball, soccer, tennis, chess, bridge, poker, etc.

( j) activities : driving, studying, swimming, traveling, walking (and other gerunds)

(k) natural phenomena : weather, dew, fog, hail, heat, humidity, lightning, rain, sleet, snow, thunder, wind, darkness,

light, sunshine, electricity, fire, gravity, etc.

Add final -s l-e s to the nouns in italics if necessary. Do not add or change any other words.

3. Outside my window, I can see a lot of tree, bush, grass, dirt, and flower.

4. Abdullah gave me some good advice. Nadia also gave me some good suggestion.

5. Yoko learned several new word today. She increased her vocabulary today.

3. Outside my window, I can see a lot of trees, bushes, grass, dirt, and flowers.

4. Abdullah gave me some good advice. Nadia also gave me some good suggestions.

5. Yoko learned several new words. She increased her vocabulary today.

6. I drank two glass of water.7. Window are made of glass.8. Mr. Chu wears glass because he has poor

eyesight.9. It took me a lot of time to finish my homework. I

had a lot of assignment.10. I have been in Mexico three time. I’ve spent a

lot of time there.11. The air is full of smoke, dust, carbon monoxide,

and many other harmful substance. We must try to reduce air pollution.

6. I drank two glasses of water.7. Windows are made of glass.8. Mr. Chu wears glasses because he has poor

eyesight.9. It took me a lot of time to finish my homework.

I had a lot of assignments.10. I have been in Mexico three times. I’ve spent

a lot of time there.11. The air is full of smoke, dust, carbon

monoxide, and many other harmful substances. We must

try to reduce air pollution.

Complete exercise 17, p.111, at home.Answers12. literature, novels, poetry, essays,

poets, poems13. seasons, weather14. happiness, patience, rewards15. stars, grains, sand16. (no change)

Answers2. rivers3. symphonies, music4. trucks, traffic5. computers, equipment6. problems, homework7. vocabulary, definitions8. this information9. advice10. progress