What is a Concrete Noun? Examples and Definition - 98thPercentile

Concrete nouns are a type of noun that refers to tangible objects or things that can be perceived through our senses. They are an essential part of language, allowing us to communicate about the physical world around us.

Download FREE ELA Worksheets!

Meaning and Definition of Concrete Nouns

A concrete noun is a noun that represents a physical object, substance, or living thing that can be touched, seen, heard, tasted, or smelled. Concrete nouns are often contrasted with abstract nouns, which represent intangible concepts or ideas.

Examples of Concrete Nouns

1. Animal (dog, cat, elephant)
2. Food (apple, bread, pizza)
3. Vehicle (car, bike, airplane)
4. Building (house, school, hospital)
5. Natural Feature (mountain, river, ocean)
6. Object (book, chair, phone)
7. Substance (water, wood, metal)

Characteristics of Concrete Nouns

1. Tangible: Concrete nouns represent objects or things that can be physically touched or handled.
2. Sensory: Concrete nouns can be perceived through one or more of the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).
3. Specific: Concrete nouns often refer to specific objects or things, rather than general concepts or ideas.

By understanding concrete nouns, we can better communicate about the world around us and create more vivid and descriptive language.

Here are the types of concrete nouns with examples and breakdowns:

Types of Concrete Nouns

1. Animal Concrete Nouns

Definition: Refers to living creatures, including mammals, birds, fish, and insects.

Examples:

   - "The dog is barking." (Here, "dog" is a concrete noun referring to a specific animal.)

   - "I saw a beautiful butterfly in the garden." (Here, "butterfly" is a concrete noun referring to a specific insect.)

2. Food Concrete Nouns

Definition: Refers to edible substances, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and prepared dishes.

Examples:

   - "I love eating pizza." (Here, "pizza" is a concrete noun referring to a specific type of food.)

   - "The apple is ripe and ready to eat." (Here, "apple" is a concrete noun referring to a specific fruit.)

3. Vehicle Concrete Nouns

Definition: Refers to modes of transportation, including cars, trucks, buses, bicycles, and airplanes.

Examples:

   - "I drive a car to work every day." (Here, "car" is a concrete noun referring to a specific vehicle.)

   - "The airplane took off from the runway." (Here, "airplane" is a concrete noun referring to a specific mode of transportation.)

4. Building Concrete Nouns

Definition: Refers to structures, including houses, schools, hospitals, offices, and stores.

Examples:

   - "I live in a house with a big backyard." (Here, "house" is a concrete noun referring to a specific building.)

   - "The school is located in the center of town." (Here, "school" is a concrete noun referring to a specific building.)

5. Natural Feature Concrete Nouns

Definition: Refers to geographical features, including mountains, rivers, oceans, lakes, and forests.

Examples:

   - "The mountain is covered in snow." (Here, "mountain" is a concrete noun referring to a specific natural feature.)

   - "The river flows through the city." (Here, "river" is a concrete noun referring to a specific natural feature.)

6. Object Concrete Nouns

Definition: Refers to inanimate objects, including books, chairs, phones, computers, and furniture.

Examples:

   - "I'm reading a book about history." (Here, "book" is a concrete noun referring to a specific object.)

   - "The chair is broken and needs to be fixed." (Here, "chair" is a concrete noun referring to a specific object.)

7. Substance Concrete Nouns

Definition: Refers to materials or substances, including water, wood, metal, plastic, and fabric.

Examples:

   - "The water is cold and refreshing." (Here, "water" is a concrete noun referring to a specific substance.)

   - "The table is made of wood." (Here, "wood" is a concrete noun referring to a specific substance.)

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to identify concrete nouns:

Step 1: Read the Text Carefully

Read the text carefully to understand the context and identify potential concrete nouns.

Step 2: Look for Tangible Objects

Look for words that refer to tangible objects, such as animals, people, places, things, and substances.

Step 3: Check if the Word Can be Perceived through Senses

Check if the word can be perceived through one or more of the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).

Step 4: Identify the Type of Concrete Noun

Identify the type of concrete noun, such as:

- Animal (dog, cat, elephant)

- Food (apple, bread, pizza)

- Vehicle (car, bike, airplane)

- Building (house, school, hospital)

- Natural Feature (mountain, river, ocean)

- Object (book, chair, phone)

- Substance (water, wood, metal)

Step 5: Verify the Word's Meaning

Verify the word's meaning to ensure it refers to a tangible object or substance.

Examples

1. "The dog is barking." (Here, "dog" is a concrete noun referring to a specific animal.)
2. "I'm eating an apple." (Here, "apple" is a concrete noun referring to a specific food.)
3. "The car is parked outside." (Here, "car" is a concrete noun referring to a specific vehicle.)

Tips

1. Pay attention to nouns that can be touched, seen, heard, tasted, or smelled.
2. Use context clues to determine if a word is a concrete noun.
3. Be aware of abstract nouns that may be masquerading as concrete nouns.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively identify concrete nouns in texts.

Conclusion on Concrete Nouns:

Concrete nouns are a fundamental part of language, allowing us to communicate about the physical world around us. By understanding the different types of concrete nouns, including animals, food, vehicles, buildings, natural features, objects, and substances, we can create more vivid and descriptive language.

Concrete nouns help us to:

- Identify and describe tangible objects and things

- Create sensory experiences through language

- Communicate effectively and efficiently

In conclusion, concrete nouns are essential for effective communication, and understanding their different types and uses can enhance our language skills and help us to convey our ideas and thoughts more clearly.

Book FREE English Trial Classes Now!

FAQs 

Ans: Concrete nouns refer to tangible objects or things that can be perceived through our senses.

Q2: Can concrete nouns be living things?

Ans: Yes, concrete nouns can refer to living things, such as animals, plants, and people.

Q3: Are concrete nouns always specific?

Ans: Not always. While concrete nouns often refer to specific objects or things, they can also refer to general categories or classes of things.

Q4: Can concrete nouns be used in abstract contexts?

Ans: Yes, concrete nouns can be used in abstract contexts to create vivid and evocative language.

Q5: How do concrete nouns differ from abstract nouns?

Ans: Concrete nouns refer to tangible objects or things, while abstract nouns refer to intangible concepts or ideas.

Related Articles

1. Abstract Nouns: Definitions & Examples

2. Adverb Clauses: Definition and Examples

3. Spelling Bee Test: Tackling the Hardest Words

4. What is an Infinitive Phrase?