Abstract nouns are a familiar grammar topic that can sometimes be confusing for English learners. Understanding this concept is especially important for students preparing for the IELTS exam.
Let us explore abstract nouns in detail with definitions, examples, and exercises to strengthen your grammar skills.
1. What Are Abstract Nouns?
Abstract nouns refer to ideas, emotions, qualities, states, or concepts that cannot be seen or touched. They represent things that are experienced mentally rather than physically.
Examples:
happiness
shame
childhood
hope
strength
growth
2. How to Identify and Classify Abstract Nouns
Common Suffixes of Abstract Nouns
Most abstract nouns share recognizable suffixes. You can use these word endings to help identify whether a noun is abstract.
Suffix | Examples |
|---|---|
-tion | satisfaction, education, limitation |
-ment | agreement, development, measurement |
-ity | ability, equality, popularity |
-ion | decision, imagination, recognition |
-ness | kindness, darkness, weakness |
-ship | friendship, ownership, leadership |
-dom | wisdom, freedom |
-ism | capitalism, optimism, feminism |
-hood | childhood, neighborhood |
-ence | confidence, independence, violence |
-acy | privacy, vacancy, proficiency |
-ance | importance, tolerance, balance |
-age | advantage, damage, marriage |
Types of Abstract Nouns
There are six main categories of abstract nouns:
Feelings: relief, pride, shame, curiosity, frustration
Emotions: sadness, fear, hope, joy
States: sustainability, empathy, diversity, connectivity
Qualities: efficiency, importance, clarity
Concepts: justice, existence, tradition
Events: carnival, reunion
3. Difference Between Abstract and Concrete Nouns
Criteria | Abstract Nouns | Concrete Nouns |
|---|---|---|
Function | Refer to ideas, emotions, qualities | Refer to physical objects or beings |
Visibility | Invisible | Visible |
Sensory Perception | Cannot be seen or touched | Can be seen, touched, heard, etc. |
Examples | love, happiness, freedom, beauty | table, book, dog, tree, color |
4. How to Form Abstract Nouns from Verbs and Adjectives
From Verbs
You can form abstract nouns from verbs by adding suffixes:
-tion, -sion: act → action, decide → decision
-ment: develop → development, enjoy → enjoyment
From Adjectives
Abstract nouns can also be formed from adjectives using these suffixes:
-ness: happy → happiness, kind → kindness
-ity: possible → possibility, real → reality
-ence: different → difference, confident → confidence
5. Abstract Noun Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Identify the Abstract Nouns
She showed great bravery during the incident.
I am full of hope for the future.
Her kindness towards everyone is admirable.
He values honesty in all aspects of life.
She had the courage to stand up to the bully.
Answers:
Bravery
Hope
Kindness
Honesty
Courage
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Abstract Noun
Our ___ helps us understand the difference between right and wrong. (conscious)
My ___ for painting is keeping me busy during quarantine. (passionate)
She showed a lot of ___ when she spoke in front of the crowd for the first time. (courageous)
His ___ in success led him to work hard day and night. (faithful)
Her ___ to service the community is commendable. (commit)
Answers:
Conscience
Passion
Courage
Faith
Commitment
Master Abstract Nouns with IDP
Understanding abstract nouns, how to identify them, and when to use them is essential to scoring well in the IELTS test. To support your IELTS preparation, IDP offers free practice materials and expert tips to help you improve your grammar.
You can also register for free weekly IELTS mock tests with IDP using the official computer-delivered format. These mock tests follow the real exam structure and are scored by Cambridge examiners.
Ready to take the next step? Register for the IELTS test with IDP today!