Common nouns have two kinds of nouns: Abstract and
Collective nouns. To avoid confusion, we will consider them distinct, and we will not use the name
common in connection with them.
We form an
Abstract noun (abstracted) from either an adjective or a verb; it denotes quality or an idea.
EX.— goodness, wisdom (from adjectives
good and
wise) ;
service, occupation (from verbs
serve and
occupy).
Number of Abstract Nouns
Abstract nouns are always singular. When an abstract noun takes a plural form, it is no longer an abstract noun, but becomes a common noun.
NOTE.— When a noun refers to one person or thing, we call it a
singular
noun; when it refers to more than one person or thing, we call it a
plural noun.
Abstract (Singular)EX.— The present
day is an eventful one.
EX.— All this is
madness. EX.— People fight for
liberty. EX.— The thoughts of
memory are plentiful.
EX.— Her
sorrow is heart-breaking.
EX.— Vice is a horror.
EX.— Pleasure is fleeting.
EX.— Virtue has its own reward.
EX.— They are looking for
liberty. EX.— Truth will prevail.
Common (Plural)EX.— Man has seven
days. EX.— The
madness of war is brutal.
EX.— He took
several
liberties. EX.— His mind is filled with happy
memories. EX.— Sorrows and
troubles were his downfall.
EX.— The
vices and
follies of the age are many.
EX.— My
pleasures are few.
EX.— He had many
virtues. EX.— He took too many
liberties. EX.— These are
truths. ©
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