Learning English

Abstract uncountable nouns

Nouns like coffee, pens, wine, chairs, glasses, furniture and music refer to what we can experience with our senses. They are things we can touch, taste, smell, hear or see. These are sometimes called concrete nouns.

There are other nouns which refer to things that can't be physically experienced. Things like ideas, emotions, qualities and concepts. Here are some examples of these words:

Love, fun, happiness, bravery, patience, enthusiasm, childhood

These are called abstract nouns and they are generally uncountable.

Read the text and complete the activity

General and specific statement and the definite article

Now, compare these two sentences using the abstract uncountable noun happiness.

• Money can't buy you happiness.
• I can't express the happiness I felt when my child was born.

The second sentence has the definite article the before the noun. Can you work out why? Here are some more examples to help you.

• Enthusiasm is important to progress in any job.
• You can really see the enthusiasm she has for her job

Have you figured it out? Try another pair of examples:

• I look for confidence in my employees.
• I was surprised that he had the confidence to sing in public.

Here's the rule:

When we use an abstract uncountable noun to refer to a specific example of a noun, we use the before the noun. After the noun there will often be a defining relative clause.

When we use an abstract uncountable noun to make a general statement, we don’t use the.

Look at the examples again and you will see that when the is used there is a reference to a particular and specific example of that noun.

To do

If you think you've got it, try the quiz!

Next

So how did you get on with the quiz? Now that's out of the way, it's time to check out 6 Minute Grammar with Callum, Catherine and Finn. As usual Callum annoys Catherine, but only to help you understand this subject!