English Without Tears

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Shehu I. Shamaki, Hudallah Kabeer Muhammad, Jidda M Ali, Nura Bello, Jabir Shafi'u, Abubakar Sadik, Tahir Auwal, Basisru A Nasiru Shinaka, Parteema Abubakar, Avvër Sãräwà, Mamman Adamu, Shafiu Dauda, Ahmad Adamu, Khaulat M Abdulazeez, Ibrahim Namanako Abubakar Zaki, Yushau Karma, Æhméd Wãl Ættøm, Adamu Muhd Hassan, Al'Ameen Almusty, Hauwa'u Ahmad Musa, Call Mie Dan Mãmã, Lawan Ibrahim, Oladapo Olalekan Olagunju, Abdul Madaki, Lawal Rukayya Almustapha, Musa Hassan, Muhammad Kabeer, Hassan Ismail Umar, Eserh Abdulkadir Eserh Alhaji, Adedoja Adeyoola Olayiwola, Sabiu Yahaya, Musa Yusuf Abubakar, Ismail Adam, Salisu Iliyasu, Khadeejerht Alameen

Abstract nouns are a type of noun that you can't see or touch. A noun is a person, place or thing. However, in many cases, that 'thing' may be an intangible concept, or an abstract form of noun.
In this instance, abstract refers to something that exists apart from concrete existence. An abstract noun may include an aspect, concept, idea, experience, state of being, trait, quality, feeling, or other entity that can't be experienced with the five senses.

Recognizing When a Noun Is Abstract

Concrete nouns are people, places, or things that we can experience with our five senses. The abstract class of noun is the opposite. We can't experience these nouns with our senses. If a noun is abstract, it describes something you can't see, hear, touch, taste, or smell.
It can be difficult to recognize when a noun is abstract because there are so many words that can function in different ways. For example, some words might function as verbs in some cases and abstract nouns in other cases. Love and taste are two examples.

I love my husband. [In this sentence, the word love expresses an action and is, therefore, acting as a verb.]

Send them my love. [In this sentence, the word love functions as an abstract noun because it is a thing that exists beyond the five senses.]

Sarah could taste cilantro in the salsa. [In this sentence, the auxiliary verb "could" functions with "taste" to illustrate action. She can physically taste the salsa.]

Sarah has great taste in clothes. [In this sentence, taste functions in an abstract manner. Taste refers to her preferences.]

Common Abstract Nouns

Abstract nouns can be countable or uncountable (mass). They can also be singular or possessive. Abstract nouns follow the same grammar rules as other nouns. Let's take a look at common examples, broken out by category.

Emotions/Feelings

Love

Hate

Anger

Peace

Pride

Sympathy

States/Attributes

Bravery

Loyalty

Honesty

Integrity

Compassion

Charity

Success

Courage

Deceit

Skill

Beauty

Adverbs of certainty

Adverbs of certainty express how certain we feel about an action or event. Adverbs of certainty go before the main verb unless the main verb is 'to be', in which case the adverb of certainty goes after.
Examples

He definitely left the house this morning.
He surely won't forget.
He is probably in the park.
He is certainly a smart man.

If there is an auxiliary verb, the adverb of certainty goes between the auxiliary and the main verb.
Examples

He has certainly forgotten the meeting.
He will probably remember tomorrow.
He is definitely running late.

Sometimes these adverbs of certainty can be placed at the beginning of the sentence.
Examples

Undoubtedly, Winston Churchill was a great politician.
Certainly, I will be there.
Probably, he has forgotten the meeting.

When the adverb of certainty surely is placed at the beginning of the sentence, it means the speaker thinks something is true, but is looking for confirmation.
Examples

Surely you've got a bicycle.
Surely you're not going to wear that to the party.