This article is about ‘is abstract noun plural or singular. The readers will get sound knowledge through examples and their detailed explanations.
The word abstract means intangible. Literally it means something that has no physical existence or form. Abstract nouns refer to ideas, feelings, concepts, experiences that cannot be perceived through our senses. They are not seen, heard, touched, felt or smelt.
Above all abstract nouns are beyond our five sense organs. These nouns are used in both two forms: singular number and plural number. Some abstract nouns are used only in singular number and some of the are used in two numbers.
Examples;
1. Kindness is a great virtue.
Explanation- In this example ‘kindness’ is an example of abstract noun. We cannot see or touch it. It is an abstract idea.
2. He is respected for his wisdom.
Explanation-In the above example ‘wisdom’ is an example of abstract nouns. We cannot perceive it through any of our sensory five organs. It has no physical form or existence.
Can abstract nouns be plural?
Abstract nouns denote quality or idea that is usually singular number because idea is singular. Some abstract nouns are countable and uncountable. The countable abstract nouns can be plural. Though these nouns are countable they are abstract nouns.
Examples;
- We had several dreams last night.
- Suman’s friendship with many women will bring his ruin.
- Your suggestions are very encouraging to me.
- There are many cultures in America.
- The teacher’s advices to the students changed their lives.
Detailed explanations
1. We had several dreams last night.
2. Explanation- In the above example ‘dream’ is an abstract noun and it is plural in number. As it has no physical form it is abstract and as it mentions many it is plural in number.
2. Suman’s friendships with many women will bring ruin.
Explanation- In this example ‘friendship’ is an abstract noun because it has no form to touch or see. It is plural in number as it mentions more than one.
3. Your suggestions are very encouraging to me.
Explanation- In the example ‘suggestions’ is an abstract noun for having no physical existence or form to see or touch. As it refers to more than one it is in plural number.
4. There are many cultures in America.
Explanation- Here the word ‘cultures’ is an abstract noun. It has no form. It refers to many .So it is a plural number.
5. The teacher’s advices to the students changed their lives.
Explanation- In this example ‘advices’ is an abstract noun because it is a concept that has no physical existence. It is plural in number because it refers to more than one.
When abstract nouns are plural?
Abstract nouns basically refer to the feelings, ideas and emotions that have no physical existence. They are mostly singular. But the abstract nouns used to refer to more than one are called plural abstract nouns. They are countable and refer to plural ideas.
Ex- He made many plans to achieve his goal.
Explanation- Here the word ‘plans’ is an abstract noun because it is formless. It is plural in number as it refers to many concepts.
Which abstract nouns are plural?
Abstract nouns cannot be seen. They are uncountable. Naturally they do not have plurals. But there are some abstract nouns that are used as plural numbers. The following abstract nouns are used as plural numbers. Suggestion, advice, friendships, cultures, dreams, honesties etc can be used as plural abstract nouns.
Ex- Your dishonesties caused you to suffer a lot.
Explanation- Here the word ‘dishonesties’ is an abstract noun. It has no form to see or touch. It is used as a plural number.
Which abstract nouns are plural?
Some abstract nouns have plural forms. We do not see or touch them. They are not perceived in our five sense organs also. These abstract nouns are plural because they can express plural ideas or feelings.
Ex- Thanks for your good conduct.
Explanation- In this example ‘thanks’ is an abstract noun because it has no physical form to see or touch. This abstract noun ‘thanks’ is an example of a plural abstract noun.
Which abstract nouns are always plural?
We find a total difference between abstract nouns and concrete nouns.There are some abstract nouns that have only plural forms. We cannot see them in numbers.The abstract nouns that are the names of certain tools, instruments and articles of clothing have two parts. The following abstract nouns are always plural. Outskirts, thanks, savings, premises are always plural.
Ex- They live on the outskirts of the village.
Explanation- Here the word ‘outskirts’ is an example of a plural abstract noun.
Can abstract nouns be singular?
Generally abstract nouns are uncountable and are found in singular numbers. It means that they require singular verbs after them. Abstract nouns represent intangible ideas that we cannot perceive with the main five sense organs. Abstract are not actually things. They are ideas, emotions and concepts that are not countable. They are singular in form.
Examples;
- The time I spend with you lasts for a long time.
- I have a great love for you.
- Ratan Biswas is known for his honesty.
- The boy faced the tiger with courage.
- We can achieve success by hard work.
Detailed explanations;
1.The time I spend with my friends lasts for a long time.
Explanation- In this example the word ‘time’ is an abstract noun. It is singular in form.
2 . I have a great love for you.
Explanation- In this example the word ‘love’, a feeling is an abstract noun. It is a feeling that is used as a singular number here.
3. Ratan Biswas is known for his honesty.
Explanation- In this sentence ‘honesty’ is an abstract noun because it is not perceived through a sense organ. It is used as a singular number.
4. The boy faced the tiger with courage.
Explanation- Here the word ‘courage’ is an abstract noun. It is singular in form.
5. We can achieve success by hard work.
Explanation- Here the word ‘success’ is an example of an abstract noun. It is used as a singular number.
When are abstract nouns singular?
The abstract nouns that we use to refer to singular ideas or feelings are called singular abstract nouns. When we use abstract nouns having an idea, idea, a quality, a taste or a concept we have to use them in singular numbers because they are always used as singular numbers. So, when we write sentences with these abstract nouns, singular verbs are used after them.
Ex- Childhood is an important stage to learn manners.
Explanation- In this example the word ‘childhood’ is an example of an abstract noun. It is always used as a singular number.
Which abstract nouns can be either singular or plural?
In English there are some abstract nouns that are uncountable and they have no plural forms. But it is seen that there are some abstract nouns that can be either singular or plural. We can use them both in singular and plural numbers. The following abstract nouns are examples of this. Love, time, beauty, ecstasy, idea, quality, states can be used both in two numbers.
Examples;
1. I have sincere love for the nation.
2. Their loves are greater than my love.
Explanation- In the first sentence ‘love’ is used as a singular number but in the second sentence ‘loves’ is used as a plural number. Thus it is clear to us that ‘love’, an abstract noun, can be used both in singular and plural numbers.
3. Do you have time to spare for me?
4. His phone rang five times before he woke up.
In the example the word ‘time’ is used as a singular number but in the next example ‘times’ is used as a plural number. We come to know that ‘time’, an abstract noun, uses both singular and plural numbers.
Conclusion
In this article abstract nouns are discussed with many examples. The usages of abstract nouns both in singular number and plural number will be very helpful to the readers. We should be careful while using abstract nouns in sentences.
Hi…. I am Goutam Datta. I have completed a double M. A. in English and B. Ed. I am a creative writer. Currently, I am a part of the LambdaGeeks.