English Grammar: Nouns

Nouns — Summary

A noun is a word used as the name of a person, place, thing, idea, or action.

A proper noun is the name of a particular person, place, or thing. A proper noun is written with a capital letter.

A common noun is the name of any one of a class of persons, places, or things. A common noun is written with a small letter unless it is the first word of a sentence.

A collective noun is the name of a group of persons or a collection of objects, usually considered as a unit.

Proper adjectives are usually written with capital letters. If the adjective has acquired a special meaning it is not capitalized.

When a noun refers to one person or thing, it is singular in number. When a noun refers to more than one person or thing, it is plural in number.

The plurals of nouns are formed in various ways. Since there are exceptions to almost every one of these ways of forming the plural, you should consult a

reliable, up-to-date dictionary when you are in doubt regarding a correct plural form. You should also be familiar with the methods that are outlined in this unit.

Words taken from foreign languages usually retain their foreign plurals. A number of commonly used foreign words have acquired English plurals.