Nouns can be of many types. While generally, nouns are the representation of a class of people or any object, it has several classifications within itself. Depending on the nature of the things, nouns are divided into significant parts.
One amongst them is a concrete noun. And if you are familiar with an abstract noun, it will be easier for you to understand a concrete noun. A concrete noun is simply the opposite of what is an abstract noun. It is something that is not abstract in nature at all.
It seems simple, but sometimes using them can get tricky. There are certain points that we need to be clear about before we come to any conclusion. Let us discuss them down below.
What is a concrete noun?
As mentioned earlier, a concrete noun is the opposite of an abstract noun. It is a noun that is used to represent something that can be seen, heard, touched, and smelt. It is a noun that refers to something that actually exists and has a physical appearance that we can observe with our senses.
It is basically anything that has a body and is not just an imagination.
Let us look at some basic examples;
- Bed, chair, table
- Book, medal, coin
- Burger, pork, salt
These things can be seen, touched, tasted, or smelt. Thus, they form concrete nouns.
Difference between concrete noun and abstract noun
Now, when we say concrete nouns, we mean something that has a physical existence. It can be seen or touched. But on the other hand, an abstract noun is something that does not have a physical existence and cannot be seen or touched.
For instance, you cannot touch happiness or hate. But you can definitely touch a bar of chocolate or a sword. Which means they are concrete nouns.
But sometimes, distinguishing concrete nouns from abstract nouns can be complicated while using a sentence. For instance;
Her mother is the epitome of perfect motherhood.
Here, we need to realize that a mother is a concrete noun. It refers to a person that exists. But motherhood is a state and not a physical body, which means it is not a concrete noun.
You have to do a lot of hard work to complete your work.
Here, the word “work” in ”hard work” is not a concrete noun because it is not an object, but the work at the end is surely a concrete noun.
Usage of concrete nouns
Concrete nouns can be used in any sentence whenever one refers to a thing or a person.
Concrete nouns can be of different types;
They can be common, proper, countable, or uncountable.
They can be both plural and singular as well.
For example;
I have three dogs, and I love them a lot.
Here, dogs is concrete as well as a common noun and is in plural form.
Neha gave me a few clothes last night.
Here, Neha is a concrete noun that is proper in nature.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that concrete nouns depend on the context they are being used in. A noun can be abstract as well as concrete, depending on the context. For example;
Rohini and Chirag are teacher’s pets.
Here, pets do not actually refer to pets. Abstractly, it means that they listen to everything the teacher says.
Bobby is her pet.
Here, bobby is actually an animal that belongs to someone.
So we see concrete noun needs some attention while using them. One needs to be aware of the context.
