---
title: "Abstract nouns"
description: "Understand and use abstract nouns to name ideas, qualities, and states that cannot be perceived by the senses"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/abstract-nouns-mt_8bIXVKTdtK
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/abstract-nouns-mt_8bIXVKTdtK.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Abstract nouns

Understand and use abstract nouns to name ideas, qualities, and states that cannot be perceived by the senses

Subject: English · Area: Grammar & Punctuation · Ages 8 to 9
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/abstract-nouns-mt_8bIXVKTdtK

## Ready when they can

- Sort words like 'freedom', 'table', 'courage', 'pencil', 'childhood' into abstract and concrete noun categories
- Complete sentences using appropriate abstract nouns: 'Her _____ (brave → bravery) inspired the whole team'
- Write three sentences each containing a different abstract noun (e.g. 'honesty', 'friendship', 'happiness')

## Lesson: Abstract nouns: naming things you can't touch

You already know that nouns name people, places, and things. Some nouns name things you can see and touch, like a dog or a chair. Other nouns name feelings, ideas, and qualities that you cannot touch at all. These are called abstract nouns.

**Example.** Look at these two groups. Concrete nouns: table, pencil, apple. You can touch each one. Abstract nouns: freedom, courage, childhood. You cannot hold freedom in your hand or see courage on a shelf, but they are still real, and they are still nouns.

**Example.** Many abstract nouns come from describing words. Take the word brave. Add an ending and it becomes bravery, a noun that names the quality itself: 'Her bravery inspired the whole team.'

*(drawing: Bravery names a quality you cannot touch, but it still does a noun's job in the sentence.)*

**Tip.** To check if a word is an abstract noun, ask yourself: can I see it, touch it, or hold it? If the answer is no, it probably names a feeling or an idea, so it is abstract.

**Recap.** Abstract nouns name ideas and feelings you cannot touch, while concrete nouns name things you can.

## Practice

24 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Basic Nouns & Verbs](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/basic-nouns-and-verbs-mt_yBJyCfhtem)

## Opens up

- [Academic Vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/academic-vocabulary-mt_OLwNsTI6C7)