Nouns: Singular, Plural, and Collective

Name: ______Block: ______Date: ______

Parts of Speech

Nouns: Singular, plural, and Collective

A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea. A singular noun names one person, place, thing, or idea and a plural noun names more than one. Most plural nouns are formed by adding –s to the singular form. Words that end in ch, sh, s, x, or z form the plural by adding –es. Words that end in a consonant and y form the plural by changing y to I and adding –es. Some plurals are formed irregularly, for example, child, children; foot, feet; mouse, mice. Some singular and plural forms are the same, for example, sheep, deer, series.

Singular / Plural / Singular / Plural
Person: / Child / Children / Thing: / Piano / Pianos
Place: / Corner / Corners / Idea: / Religion / religions

A collective noun names a group. A collective noun is singular when it refers to the group as a whole. It is plural when it refers to the individual members of a group.

The jury is still deliberating. (singular)The jury are arguing loudly. (plural)

Exercise 1: Underline each noun. Write S above each singular noun and P above each plural noun.

Example: Congress debated the issue and approved the bill defining consumer rights.

1. My parents expect us children to help with the housework. 3

2. The film followed a herd of cows through a typical day. 4

3. She probably has more self-confidence than any of my other friends. 2

4. The returning astronauts waved to the cheering crowd. 2

5. The principal congratulated the class on its performance. 3

6. The dodo is an extinct bird. 2

7. Her favorite team lost in the playoffs. 2

8. My grandmother always used to say that pride went before a fall. 3

9. The paintings were in the new section of the museum. 3

10. This particular book contains both stories and poems. 3

Nouns: Proper and Common; Concrete and Abstract

A proper noun is a noun that names a particular person, place, thing, or idea. A proper noun begins with a capital letter. A common noun is the general name of a person, place, thing or idea.

PROPER / COMMON
Person: / Uncle Al / uncle
Place: / Dominican Republic / country
Thing: / Schindler’s List / movie
Idea: / (the) Renaissance / era

Exercise 1: Underline each noun. Write P above each proper noun and C above each common noun.

Example: Pedro is taking his little brother to Wrigley Field to see a baseball game.

1. The World Cup is the most popular sporting event in the world. 3

2. Every four years, soccer teams from continents such as Europe, Africa, and South America battle for first place. 7

3. In 1994, the tournament was held in the Unites States. 3

4. Teams from twenty-four nations took part in the 1994 World Cup. 4

5. In every city where a game was played, fans of each country cheered their players. 5

6. Thousands of soccer fans from Italy and Ireland invaded New Jersey. 5

7. Soldier Field in Chicago rocked to the cheers of Germans and Bolivians. 5

8. Brazilians backed their team by singing samba songs in Portuguese. 4

9. Fans of Nigeria, champions of Africa, pounded drums to spur their team to victory. 7

10. Supporters of the home team enthusiastically waved the Stars and Stripes. 3

A concrete noun names an object that occupies space or can be recognized by any of the senses. An abstract noun names an idea, quality, or characteristic.

Exercise 2: Underline each noun. Write con. above each concrete noun and abs. above each abstract noun.

Example: Bob admires people who practice modesty.

1. Sheila likes to plant and care for flowers. 2

2. Daniel’s integrity cannot be questioned. 1

3. Ruth and Joe have shown their devotion to this company. 4

4. Kindness and sincerity dominate my list of important qualities. 4

5. Clair’s new bicycle impressed her neighbors. 2

6. Uncle Rico will give you the recipe. 2

7. The coach reminded his players of the necessity for good sportsmanship. 4

8. The bakery on the corner sells the best chocolate chip cookies. 3

9. Thoughtfulness is always appreciated. 1

10. Rashida wants us to make compassion a priority. 3

11. Mr. Fernandez is teaching us about great world leaders. 2

12. Jealousy can be extremely destructive. 1

13. Sunee has empathy for Roger because she has gone through a similar experience. 4

14. Brad and Caroline hosted a reception for the new exchange student. 4

15. I always enjoy visiting Mexico and Canada, although they have few similarities. 3