Nouns- Classes, subclasses
Classes:
Common
§ conceptual reference = refers to a general concept
Proper
§ unique reference = refer to only one item of reality (usually used only in singular)
Countable
§ count nouns; make distinction between one or more
Uncountable
§ mass nouns
Concrete
§ we can observe them
Abstract
§ exist only in human mind
Animate
§ refer to living
· personal (he or she)
· non-personal
· higher animals (he or she)
· lower animals
Inanimate
§ refer to non-living objects
§ the classes of nouns overlap Þ abstract nouns are uncountable, proper nouns can be animate
Subclasses:
Collective nouns refer to more than one (a herd, a group, a class of children)
these can be singular or plural
Unit nouns they make uncountable nouns countable (a flash of lightening, an act of courage)
Quantifying nouns they quantify, derived from measurable quantities (a kilo, a bottle of, a great deal)
Species nouns (sort, kind, mark, type…)
