Problems with Nouns Meeting 3

Matakuliah : G0582/Bahasa Inggris 1 Tahun : 2007 Problems with NounsMeeting 3

Contents • Singular and Plural Nouns (Irregular) • Concept of Nouns in English • Countable and Uncountable Nouns • Distinguishing person from the thing • Abstract, concrete and proper Nouns

Irregular nouns Although most nouns have plurals formed according to regular rules, some nouns have unusual, or irregular plurals.

Count or Noncount? • The main difference between count and noncount nouns is whether you can count the things they refer to or not. • Count nouns refer to things that exist as separate and distinct individual units. They usually refer to what can be perceived by the senses.

Example sentences: • I stepped in a puddle. (How many puddles did you step in? Just one.) • I drank a glass of milk. (Glasses of milk can be counted) • I saw an apple tree. (Apple trees can be counted)

Noncount nouns • Noncount nouns refer to things that can't be counted because they are thought of as wholes that can't be cut into parts. They often refer to abstractions and occasionally have a collective meaning (for example, furniture).

Example • I dove into the water. (How many waters did you dive into? The question doesn't make any sense; therefore water is noncountable.) • I saw the milk spill. (How many milks? Milk cannot be counted.) • I admired the foliage. (How many foliages? Foliage cannot be counted.)

Concrete vs. Abstract Nouns A concrete noun names something you can experience with one of your five senses; that is, a concrete noun names something you can see (like the moon), touch (like a blanket), smell (like a rose), hear (like laughter), or taste (like sugar). An abstract noun names feelings (such as jealousy and attraction), ideas (such as peace and freedom), and qualities (such as generosity and determination). Abstract nouns do not exist as physical objects in the world; we cannot see, touch, smell, hear or taste our feelings, ideas, and qualities.

Problems with Nouns Meeting 3