Advanced Structure English Education Study Program

CHAPTER 9
ABSTRACT NOUN PHRASES

A. THE DEFINITION OF NOUN

A noun is a name of anything. It may be the name of a person ( Joseph, boy, teacher), an object
(box, toy), a quality or condition (purity, goodness, poverty), a weight or quantity of something
(pound, ounce, pint, bushel), a measure (yard, rod), an action ( movement, performance), a
state (death), and occurrence (accident), a sense impression (sound, noise), and a great many
other sorts of things. It can be recognized by the articles such as “ the, a, an “ that we place in
front of them.

B. THE TYPES OF NOUNS

According to meaning they present, nouns may be divided into several classes such as:
common, proper, concrete, abstract, collective, compound noun, etc.
1. Common Noun name any person, place, or thing. It always begins with a capital letter,
such as: car, table, book, pen, house, teacher, etc. Common nouns are of two types:
concrete and abstract nouns. In each of the following sentences, the common nouns are
highlighted:
a. According to the sign, the nearest town is 60 miles away.
b. All the gardens in the neighborhood were invaded by beetles this summer.
c. I don't understand why some people insist on having six different kinds of mustard in
their cupboards.
d. The road crew was startled by the sight of three large moose crossing the road.
e. Many child-care workers are underpaid.
Sometimes you will make proper nouns out of common nouns, as in the following
examples:
a. The tenants in the Garnet Apartments are appealing the large and sudden increase in
their rent.
b. The meals in the Bouncing Bean Restaurant are less expensive than meals in ordinary
restaurants.
c. Many witches refer to the Renaissance as the Burning Times.
d. The Diary of Anne Frank is often a child's first introduction to the history of the
Holocaust.
2. Proper Nouns are names of people (Poltak, Bonar, Brown, Johannes, George Bush,
Obama), things (Financial Times, Eiffel Tower, Toyota, Kijang, Eiffel Tower), animals
(King Kong, Lassie, monkey, pig, dog), and places ( Parapat, Medan, London, Jakarta,
Surabaya, Central Park). A proper noun begins with a capital letter. Proper nouns also
refer to times or to dates in the calendar: Saturday, April, May, June, etc. In each of the
following sentences, the proper nouns are highlighted:
a. The Marroons were transported from Jamaica and forced to build the fortifications
in Halifax.
b. Many people dread Monday mornings.
c. Beltane is celebrated on the first of May.
d. Abraham appears in the Talmud and in the Koran.
e. Last year, I had a Baptist, a Buddhist, and a Gardnerian Witch as roommates.
3. Concrete Nouns name a person or an object that can actually be seen, touched, tasted,
heard or smelled, such as: car, spoon, fork, pen, TV, lamp, etc. The highlighted words in
the following sentences are all concrete nouns:
a. The judge handed the files to the clerk.
b. Whenever they take the dog to the beach, it spends hours chasing waves.

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Advanced Structure English Education Study Program

c. The real estate agent urged the couple to buy the second house because it had new
shingles.
d. As the car drove past the park, the thump of a disco tune overwhelmed the string
quartet's rendition of a minuet.
e. The book binder replaced the flimsy paper cover with a sturdy, cloth-covered board.
4. Collective Nouns name a group of people or things, such as: audience, committee, family,
team, club, a bunch of bananas, a litter of puppies, a family, a gang, a choir, an orchestra,
a crew, a band, a class, etc. In each of the following sentences, the highlighted word is a
collective noun:
a. The flock of geese spends most of its time in the pasture.
(The collective noun "flock" takes the singular verb "spends.")
b. The jury is dining on take-out chicken tonight.
(In this example the collective noun "jury" is the subject of the singular compound verb
"is dining.")
c. The steering committee meets every Wednesday afternoon.
(Here the collective noun "committee" takes a singular verb, "meets.")
d. The class was startled by the bursting light bulb.
(In this sentence the word "class" is a collective noun and takes the singular compound
verb "was startled.")
C. ABSTRACT NOUN
An abstract noun refers to states, events, concepts, feelings, qualities, etc., that have no physical
existence. Abstract nouns name: (1) Feelings such as: happiness, loneliness, sorrow and anger;
(2) Qualities such as: courage, intelligence, bravery and honesty; and (3) Ideas and Thoughts
such as: freedom, friendship and equality that have no physical existence. They can be either
countable or uncountable.
Most abstract nouns are formed from adjectives. We can form abstract nouns from (i)
common nouns; (ii) from verbs (; (ii) and from adjectives. Look at the following formation:
1 2 3
common noun → abstract verb → abstract nouns adjective →abstract
nouns noun
child childhood know knowledge happy happiness
friend friendship beautify beauty sad sadness
boy boyhood obey obedience kind kindness
slave slavery grow growth lazy laziness
king kingdom, etc. move movement, etc. free freedom, etc.
The highlighted words in the following sentences are all abstract nouns:
1. Tillie is amused by people who are nostalgic about childhood.
2. Justice often seems to slip out of our grasp.
3. Some scientists believe that schizophrenia is transmitted genetically.
4. Buying the fire extinguisher was an afterthought.
5. Some scientists believe that schizophrenia is transmitted genetically.
6. He is a man of strength.
7. The people in this part of the country live in poverty.
8. Cruelty to animals is a punishable offence.
9. He is on a pilgrimage to Mecca.
10. I have great pleasure to welcome you.
11. Childhood is the best period of your life.
12. Wastage should always be avoided.
13. As a parent my children’s safety is of utmost importance to me.
14. As the sun went below the horizon darkness enveloped the planet.
15. There is no end to his wickedness

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Abstract Noun can be used as subject in any sentences, for examples:

1. Friendship required that I act immediately.
2. Honesty demanded that I tell the truth.
3. Clarity required that we rephrase our demands.
4. Kindness needs humility.
5. Correctness needs you to modify the data.
6. The idea that I could win never occurred to me.
7. His bravery will not be forgotten.
8. Hatred will only bring sorrow to you, not to the object of your hatred.
9. The freedom that we enjoy is not recognized by many who have always had it.

“Objects” In Abstract Noun

1. I know the importance of learning English.
2. I would like the opportunity to study abroad.
3. She needs to have more confidence.
4. Happiness means different things to different people.
5. You should save your money for your education.
6. She has a lot of pride.
D. ABSTRACT NOUN PHRASES
An abstract noun phrase is a group of words that contains two or more abstract noun. It refers
to states, events, concepts, feelings, qualities, etc. that have no physical existence, such as:
management of the office, Mr. Smith’s arrest for fraud, the disappearance of the money,
the Senator’s argument(s), etc.
Like common noun, abstract noun phrase can be functioned as subject, object, complement,
etc.
a. “Subjects” in Abstract Noun Phrases
Subjects” in abstract noun phrases are used in the same way as “subjects” in gerund
phrases, for examples:
❖ He is responsible for the management of the office.
(implied “ subject” of management is he)
❖ All his friends were astounded at Mr. Smith’s arrest for fraud
( “Subject” in possessive form)
❖ The policemen were immediately notified about the disappearance of the money.
(“subject” in of phrase form)
❖ Many people were convinced by the Senator’s argument(s) in favor of the bill.
( also the argument(s) of the Senator)
b. “Objects” In Abstract Noun Phrases
In an abstract noun phrase, an original direct object often takes of phrase form, or less
frequently, possessive form. Thus, some original direct objects of finite verbs require
prepositions other than “of” when they follow the abstract noun derived from the verb,
for examples:
❖ The execution of the prisoners will cause much public disapproval.
(compare with the gerund phrase; the executing of the prisoners) OR
❖ The prisoners’ execution will cause much public disapproval.
( apostrophe )
❖ The employment of highly qualified workers has greatly increased their
production.
Sometimes either for or of may precede a “direct object” in an abstract noun phrase:
❖ her love for
❖ her mother
❖ his admiration for

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❖ of Shakespeare; his hatred for

❖ of all women
Examples:
❖ His preference for his only daughter is very obvious.
❖ His resemblance to his father is very striking.
Other examples:
❖ (he, resemble, father) is very striking.
Combination: His resemblance to his father is very striking.
❖ (damage, flooded area) was so great that the government is declaring it a disaster
area.
Combination: The damage to the flooded area was so great that the government is
declaring it a disaster area.
❖ (he, answer, questions) were not entirely satisfactory to the grand jury.
Combination: His answers to questions were not entirely satisfactory to the grand jury.
c. Special “Complements” of Noun in Abstract Noun Phrases
Prepositional phrases, infinitive phrases of that noun clauses that normally follow verbs or
adjectives may also follow the nouns derived from such words:

He atoned for his sins becomes.

Prepositional phrase
His atonement for his sins.
He decided to make a trip becomes.
Infinitive phrase
His decision to take a trip.
He suggested that we see a lawyer becomes.
That noun clauses
His suggestion that we see a lawyer.

❖ No one could understand (he, refuse, accept, award).

Combination: No one could understand his refusal to accept the award.
❖ (he, pretend, he, have, no, money) is utterly ridiculous.
Combination: His pretense that he has no money is utterly ridiculous.
d. Adjective – From – Adverbs In Abstract Noun Phrases
-“Ly” adverbs are changed to adjectives in abstract noun phrases. These “ly” adverbs
appear originally as modifier of verbs or predicate of adjectives.
❖ They interrupted his speech continually. ( adverb)
Becomes: Their continual interruption of his speech. (Adjective)
e. Abstract Noun Phrases As Alternatives For Dependent Clause
❖ That her husband failed to keep his word disturbed her very much.
OR
❖ Her husband’s failure to keep his word disturbed her very much.

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E. EXERCISES
EXERCISE 1
Instruction: Fill in the blanks with suitable abstract nouns. The adjectives, verbs or nouns given
in the brackets should offer clues.
1. He is a man of ……………………….. (strong)
2. The people in this part of the country live in ……………………….. (poor)
3. ……………………….. to animals is a punishable offence. (cruel)
4. He is on a ……………………….. to Mecca. (pilgrim)
5. I have great ……………………….. to welcome you. (please).
6. ……………………….. is the best period of one’s life. (child)
7. ……………………….. should always be avoided. (waste).
8. As a parent my children’s ……………………….. is of utmost importance to me. (safe).
9. As the sun went below the horizon ……………………….. enveloped the planet. (dark).
3. There is no end to his ……………………….. (wicked)

EXERCISE 2
Instruction: Replace the word this in one sentence with an abstract noun phrase made from the
other sentence. Some “subject” refereeing to person may be either in possessive from or of phrase
form.
Example:
❖ Bombs were exploding on all sides.
❖ This made the inhabitants fear for their lives
Combination: The explosion of bombs on all sides made the inhabitants fear for their lives.

1. He spoke against his opponent. This was full of insulting epithets.

2. Planes roared overhead. For a long time we heard nothing but this.
3. She loves to hear this. The children laugh.
4. Mr. Smith retired at 60. This surprised his friends.
5. People possess firearms. (omit people) This is a misdemeanor.
6. He was upset by this . His secretary resigned.
7. Athletes from many countries participated. This should make these sports even more
interesting.
8. The factor workers were complaining about the long hours. We sympathize with this.
9. He was suspicious of anything new. This caused him to be very conservative.
10. His parents are concerned about this. The boy lack interest in his school work.

EXERCISE 3
Instruction: Make an abstract noun phrase out of the words in parentheses. Use “an” of phrase
“object” an begin the phrase with “the”.
Example:
❖ He hired an investment broker for (manage, his affairs)
Combination: He hired an investment broker for the management of his affairs.
1. Many people have condemned (employ, slave labor).
2. Many civil disorders resulted from (assassinate, President).
3. (arrange, flower) was very beautiful.
4. (punish, disobedient children) was very severe.
5. They were arrested for (possess, marijuana).
6. (separate, Church and state) is a principle recognized by the American Constitution.
7. Soon after (destroy, old temple), a new one was built in the same place.
8. Their teacher was explaining (pronounce, vowels, English).
9. (solve, problem) is to hire more men.

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10. (apply, hot compresses) will reduce the swelling.

EXERCISE 4
Instruction: Change the words in parenthesis into an abstract noun phrase. Use the correct
preposition before the original direct object.
Example:
❖ (he, prefer, only daughter) is very obvious.
Combination: His preference for his only daughter is very obvious.
1. (damage, flooded area) was so great that the government is declaring it a disaster area.
2. (child, demand, constant attention) is a sign of great insecurity on her part.
3. The landlord ignored (tenant, request, more heat).
4. (he, answer, question) were not entirely satisfactory to the grand jury.
5. (they, attack, enemy positions) was unsuccessful.
6. (he, pity, all stray animals0 led him to donate money for an animal shelter.
7. He began to embezzle money from his clients in order to satisfy ( he, desire, more and more,
luxuries).
8. The reporter is checking with the hospital on the nature of 9injury, victim of the car accident).
9. ( she, admire, that painter) almost borders on idolatry.)
10. Nothing can shake (he, trust, God).
EXERCISE 5
Instruction: Form an abstract noun phrase from the words in parentheses. Be sure to use the
proper “complement”.
Example:
❖ (Mr. Jones, persist, his work) will one day bring its own reward.
Combination: Mr. Jones’ persist, his work will one day bring its own reward.

1. The foreign student was complimented on ( he, was, familiar, English language)
2. (rebel, plotted, take over, political power) was thwarted by the government.
3. He has never broken (he, resolve, not, drink, liquor).
4. (he, was, aware, Mr. Brown, not like) made him uncomfortable in her presence.
5. (Columbus, assume, world, be, around) has been proved correct
6. (child, demand, constant attention) is a sign of great insecurity on her part.
7. He began to embezzle money from his clients in order to satisfy (he, desire, more and more,
luxuries)
8. The reporter is checking with the hospital on the nature of (injury, victim of the car and more,
luxuries).
9. ( she, admire, that painter) almost borders on idolatry. .
10. Nothing can shake (he, trust, God).
EXERCISE 6
Separated Papers
Instruction: Where possible, replace the verb in parentheses with both a gerund and an infinitive.
Keep in mind that the infinitive is more restricted in its use as a subject than the gerund is.
Example:
a. (locate) a suitable place for a meeting will take some time.
Combination: To locate ( Locating) a suitable place for a meeting will take some time.
b. (Interrogate) by the police is quite an ordeal.
Combination: To be interrogated (or Being interrogated) by the police is quite an ordeal.
c. (He, put) on parole was recommended by the prison by the prison authorities.
Combination: His being on parole was recommended by the prison authorities.
(The in infinitive is not used with a past verb or a passive main verb)
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1. (the committee, investigate) the matter now would only cause the government
embarrassment.
2. (live) at home would save that student a lot of money.
3. ( inherit) money one doesn’t expect I a pleasant surprise.
4. (He, insult) the office resulted in his arrest.
5. (She, take so long to dress always annoyed her husband.
6. (Entertain) the troop is the only thing the singer does now.
7. (Plant) a garden takes skill and patience.
8. (Save face) is more important in some cultures than in others.
9. (Type) that long report will be expensive.
10. (Rebuild) the cathedral that was bombed will cost a great deal of money.
EXERCISE 7
Separated Papers
Instruction: Use the infinitive or gerund form of the verb. If either form of verbal object may be
used, give both.
Example:
a. They will begin (harvest) the wheat today.
Combination: They will begin to harvest (or harvesting) the wheat today.
(the infinitive or the gerund may be used after begin)
b. We misses (see) you at the meeting.
c. Combination: We missed seeing you at the meeting.
(Only the gerund object is used after miss
d. We arranged (meet) him at the station.
Combination: We arranged to meet him at the station.
(only the infinitive is used after arrange)

1. I never cease (wonder) at the stupidity of the man.

2. The farmers risk (lose) their crops if it doesn’t rain soon.
3. A committee has already commenced (investigate) that terrible scandal.
4. We enjoy (meet) you last night.
5. They will continue (work) seven days a week until the building is finished.
6. I dread (see) the look on his face when he is told that his child has been injured.
7. I expect (finish) the work next week.
8. We must never neglect (do) our duty.
9. We intend (leave) for Mexico.
10. He started (have) trouble with his skin a year ago.

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