Abstract and concrete nouns are two different classes of nouns. Noun is defined as a word that is used to refer to a place, thing, person, events, or quality.

Abstract Nouns

Abstract nouns are those nouns that are not concrete. It means that these nouns are intangible. You cannot touch, see, smell, hear, or taste it. It is used to refer an idea, quality, or a state.

Some examples of abstract nouns are,

• Happiness
• Bravery
• Courage
• Beauty
• Envy
• Honesty
• Hope
• Intelligence
• Jealousy
• Trust
• Poverty
• Depression

Example sentences

1. Everyone is talking about his bravery that he showed yesterday.

2. Trust is very important for a relationship; don’t break it.

From the above examples, ‘bravery’, ‘trust’, and ‘relationship’ are known as abstract nouns, which are intangible.

Here are some abstract nouns that are used in some famous quotes.

1. Happiness is not a goal… it’s a by-product of a life well lived. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

2. Honesty is the best policy. (Benjamin Franklin)

3. Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. (Mark Twain)

Concrete Nouns

Concrete nouns are those nouns that you can see, hear, feel (touch), taste, or smell (i.e. that you can experience with your five senses). They are not abstract. It means that these nouns are used to refer something that exists.

Some examples of concrete nouns are,

• Pen
• Table
• Student
• Mobile
• Flowers
• Trousers
• Bookstore
• Glass
• Bed
• Room
• Girl
• Notebook

Example Sentences

1. Let’s go to the nearby bookstore to buy some new English novels.

2. The students are excited to participate in the beauty contest.

From the above examples, ‘bookstore’, ‘novels’, and ‘students’ are concrete nouns, which are tangible.

Concrete Noun = Tangible

Abstract Noun = Intangible

Find out Abstract and Concrete Nouns from the following sentences.

1. Girls had no idea about your relationship.

2. Kindly bring those gadgets for me.

3. Do you have enough strength to go inside that haunted house?

(Answers are at the end.)

Connecting to Other Types of Nouns

Abstract and concrete nouns also relate to other types of nouns, such as proper and collective nouns.

• Proper Nouns: These are specific names of people, places, or organizations, often tangible in nature (e.g., “Paris” is a concrete proper noun because it refers to a specific place you can visit).
• Collective Nouns: These refer to groups of things or people and can be either concrete or abstract. For example, “team” is a concrete collective noun because it refers to a group of people (e.g., “The team played well“). “Society,” however, can be an abstract collective noun because it refers to an organized group of people with shared values or institutions (e.g., “A healthy society values equality“).

Dual Nouns (Nouns that Can Be Both Abstract and Concrete)

Some nouns can function as both abstract and concrete depending on the context in which they are used. These nouns have flexible meanings, shifting from something tangible to intangible based on their usage.

• Love: As an abstract noun, “love” refers to an emotion or feeling (e.g., “Her love for her family is unconditional“). However, it can also be concrete when referring to a physical manifestation of that feeling (e.g., “The love letter she wrote“).
• Experience: When “experience” refers to knowledge or emotions gained over time, it is abstract (e.g., “He gained a lot of experience from traveling“). It becomes concrete when referring to a specific event or activity (e.g., “That was an unforgettable experience at the concert“).

What Did You Learn?

It is concluded that abstract nouns are intangible that are used to refer an idea, state, or a quality. Concrete nouns, on the other hand, are used to refer something that exists; or is not abstract. Both nouns are opposite from each other.

Answers:
1. Girls (Concrete Noun), Idea (Abstract Noun), Relationship (Abstract Noun).

2. Gadgets (Concrete Noun)

3. Strength (Abstract Noun), House (Concrete Noun)

The verbs that express action are called action verbs. If the subject in a sentence can do the action only then, it is an action verb.

Definition of Action Verbs

For example,

1. He worked voluntarily for a non-profit organization.

2. I have cooked your favorite dish.

3. They will go for a party tonight.

4. We thought about our mistake and said sorry to him.

In the above examples, you can see that the words worked, cooked, go, thought, and said are action verbs because the subjects (he, I, they, and we) can do these actions.

A subject can DO an action verb

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

These can be transitive or intransitive.

Transitive: These are the verbs in which the verb needs a direct object within a sentence. In this case, the object is being affected by the action verb.

For example,

1. She broke the glass.

2. Jack slapped the boy.

In the above examples, broke and slapped are transitive verbs that have the direct objects ‘the glass’ and ‘the boy’.

If you are not getting it, ask yourself ‘to what?’ or ‘to whom?’ For instance, in the first example, she broke ‘what?’ (the glass). In the second example, Jack slapped ‘to whom?’ (the boy).

Intransitive: These are the verbs in which the verb does not need a direct object within a sentence. These verbs are opposite of transitive because they do not transfer any action to the objects.

For example,

1. I walk early in the morning.

2. They went to the beach yesterday.

In the above examples, you can notice that the verbs ‘walk’ and ‘went’ do not have any direct objects. ‘In the morning’ and ‘to the beach yesterday’ are not the direct objects. Hence, ‘walk’ and ‘went’ are both intransitive verbs.

Tips for Identifying Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

To easily identify transitive and intransitive verbs, use the following tips:

• Transitive verbs require a direct object. Ask “What?” or “Whom?” after the verb to find the object.
  Example: “She wrote a letter.” (What did she write? A letter.)
• Intransitive verbs do not need a direct object. If asking “What?” or “Whom?” doesn’t make sense, the verb is intransitive.
  Example: “He sleeps early.” (No object is needed for the action.)

An Important Point

Other than action verbs, there are also non-action verbs in English vocabulary. As the name expresses, these verbs that do not show any action. It can represent an opinion, sense (i.e. look, taste, smell, feel, or sound), or a state of being. For instance, to consider, to need, to want, to believe, etc.

Examples

1. She wants a glass of water.

2. I believe what you say.

3. They prefer to stay here for two days.

In the above examples, the verbs ‘wants’, ‘believe’ and ‘prefer’ are non-action verbs as, there are no actions taking place within sentences.

Note: You cannot use non-action verbs in the progressive tenses.

Check Out: Causative Verbs.

Verbs That Can Be Both Action and Non-Action

Some verbs can function as both depending on the context. This shift happens when the meaning of the verb changes.

• Have:
  As a stative verb: “I have a car.” (possession, no action)
  As an action verb: “I’m having lunch.” (action, meaning eating)
• Think:
  As a stative verb: “I think you’re right.” (opinion, no action)
  As an action verb: “I’m thinking about my next vacation.” (mental activity)

Irregular Action Verbs

Some action verbs are irregular, meaning their past tense forms do not follow the regular “-ed” pattern. These verbs require memorization as they don’t conform to standard rules.

• Go – past tense: went
  Example: “I went to the park.”
• Run – past tense: ran
  Example: “She ran a mile.”

Check Out: What Is An Adverb?

What Did You Learn?

Action verbs are those that a subject can do. They can be transitive or intransitive verbs [i.e. some require a direct object (transitive) whereas, some action verbs do not need a direct object (intransitive)].

Anagram can be a word or a phrase that is formed when you rearrange the letters of another word. For instance, if you rearrange the word ‘anagram’, it will make a new phrase ‘nag a ram’.

Writers may use anagram in their writings very cleverly and readers, in return, must be very clever enough to understand an anagram within a text.

You must be very careful while forming an anagram. It is compulsory to use the same letters of the original word or phrase to form an anagram, which is of a different arrangement.

In literature, one of the most famous anagrams used for the writer William Shakespeare is “I am a weakish speller”.

Why Writers use Anagram?

You must be thinking that is there any advantage of using anagram?

I must say that anagrams are one of the most famous literary devices. Writers do use them in order to create mystery, wit, and fun. Mostly, writers use anagrams if they wish to comment on the subject.

So, we can say that this particular literary device is a commentary that writers use very cleverly. In this way, readers go in the depth of the meaning of writing by discovering the actual or the original word. Anagrams are just like puzzles if used cleverly.

Many authors anagram their names and create pseudonym (pen name) for themselves. Below is the list with a few pseudonyms,

• Jim Morrison > Mr. Mojo Risin
• Dave Barrey > Ray Adverb
• Edward Gorey > Ogdred Weary

Apart from pseudonyms, writers do use anagrams within their writings as well, to make their writings more interesting and challenging for their readers. For instance, the writer J. K. Rowling has used an anagram ‘I am Lord Voldemort’ in her most famous ‘Harry Potter series’. She used this anagram for a character named ‘Tom Marvolo Riddle’.

In this way, many other writers interestingly use this method to name their characters, places, things, or even occasions. You can find out such an example in Jonathan Swift’s ‘Gulliver’s Travels’. ‘Brobdingnag’, ‘Tribinia’, and ‘Langden’ are all anagrams that he used in his famous novel.

Check Out: What Is An Analogy?

Other Examples of Anagram

• The Eyes > They see
• Mother-in-law > Woman Hitler
• Teacher > Cheater
• Angel > Glean
• Hardest >Dearths
• Old England > Golden Land
• Skill > Kills
• Lemon > Melon
• Earthquake > Heart quake
• Diary > Dairy
• Considerate > Care is noted
• A decimal point > A dot in place
• Signature > A true sign

Types of Anagrams

Simple vs. Complex Anagrams

Anagrams can be categorized into two primary types: simple and complex. Simple anagrams consist of a single word, where the letters are rearranged to form another valid word. For example, the word “listen” can be transformed into “silent.” These straightforward rearrangements are often easier to spot and are commonly used in games and puzzles.

On the other hand, complex anagrams involve phrases or sentences, where the entire arrangement of words is altered to create a new meaning.

For instance, the phrase “a gentleman” can be rearranged to form “elegant man.” Complex anagrams are often more challenging and can carry deeper meanings, making them a favorite tool for writers to engage readers in wordplay.

Names and Titles

Anagrams play a significant role in character names, book titles, and plot devices, allowing authors to add layers of meaning or intrigue.

For example, in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the character “Tom Marvolo Riddle” reveals himself as “I am Lord Voldemort,” an anagram that encapsulates his transformation from a seemingly ordinary wizard to the dark lord. This clever wordplay not only deepens the character’s backstory but also enhances the thematic elements of identity and power.

Similarly, authors may use anagrams to create pseudonyms or memorable character names that hint at their personalities or roles within the story. Names like “Brobdingnag” from Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels serve to enrich the narrative world while challenging readers to uncover hidden meanings.

What Did You Learn?

We can say that only those people should use anagrams who want to create fun, wit and humor cleverly. People do use anagrams not only in writing but in everyday life as well.

You can make an anagram just by rearranging the letters of the original word. You just have to be careful to use only those letters that the original word consists of. Writers create pseudonyms for themselves by anagramming their own names. They also use this method to name their characters or places.

An allegory is synonymous with a symbol or a metaphor. It is a literary device in which characters, things or events represent something which is hidden or have some symbolic meaning.

Allegory vs. Symbolism

‘An allegory is different from symbolism.’

It is far different from symbolism because symbolism does not tell a complete story. Unlike symbolism, an allegory can be a story, poem, or a picture consists of characters and happenings to represent an abstract thought.

Allegory = A Story or a Poem (Narrative)

Symbolism = A Figure of Speech

Symbolism can be used to represent ideas or qualities. For example, a dove is a symbol of peace. Moreover, in literature, you have read Joseph Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’. In this novel, darkness is used as a symbol of the evil.

Allegory, on the other hand, is narrative. It can be named as a highly symbolic story. The hidden meaning can be a moral, political, religious, or philosophical one. For instance, William Golding’s ‘The Lord of the Flies’ is one of the most famous examples of allegorical stories. You can find out political, psychological, and religious allegory within this particular novel.

Allegory as a Useful Tool for Writers

Writers take advantage of it because it can give freedom to writers to write whatever they want.

Writers can criticize through their allegorical narratives. It is one of the effective ways that writers use to convey their complex point of views.

An Allegory is an Extended Metaphor

In allegory, writers used to cover an idea through a sequence of symbolic meanings. The readers then get the writers’ intended meanings more deeply.

Also, check out the most famous allegories of all time that are listed below;

• Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’.
• John Bunyan’s ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’.
• George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’.
• Plato’s ‘Allegory of the Cave’.
• Edmund Spencer’s ‘Faerie Queene’.
• Suzanne Collins’ ‘The Hunger Games’.
• Aesop’s Fables
• Dr. Seuss’ ‘Yertle the Turtle’.
• William Golding’s ‘The Lord of the Flies.’
• Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ‘Young Goodman Brown’.

Check Out: What Is Alliteration?

Types of Allegories

Allegories can be categorized into several types, each serving a different purpose in literature. Here are three key types:

Moral Allegory: This type is designed to teach a moral lesson. Characters and events symbolize moral concepts, guiding readers toward ethical conclusions.
Example: In John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, the protagonist’s journey symbolizes a Christian’s spiritual journey toward salvation, illustrating the challenges of leading a virtuous life.

Political Allegory: In political allegories, characters or events represent real-world political figures or systems, often offering critiques of societal structures.
Example: George Orwell’s Animal Farm uses farm animals to critique the rise of totalitarian regimes and the events surrounding the Russian Revolution.

Religious Allegory: Religious allegories convey spiritual or religious messages, often representing a soul’s journey toward redemption or divine truths.
Example: Dante’s Divine Comedy narrates a soul’s journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, symbolizing a Christian’s path to salvation and the consequences of sin.

What Did You Learn?

Allegories are different from symbolism. An allegory is an extended metaphor, which is narrative in nature. Writers use it as a tool to represent an abstract thought. The characters, things or events have some symbolic meanings in them that readers should interpret in order to get the writer’s intended meanings.

Analogy is one of the literary devices in which there is a comparison between two different things. People do use analogies, either in writing or speaking, to describe one thing by making similarities with another thing. For instance, ‘all that glitters is not gold.’

The above example sentence is comparing fake attraction to the glitters. It means that everything that is shiny and attractive may not be valuable. It is not necessary that every shiny thing is a precious thing.

People who are clever enough can make best use of this device because in this method, the two things may be quite different from each other in nature and the user must provide a solid connection between them.

In return, the readers or the listeners should also be clever enough in order to get that connection between two compared things.

You might be thinking that if analogy is to compare things then; it must be called a simile or a metaphor. In fact, analogy is neither a simile nor a metaphor. Though analogy is a comparison but it is different from them.

An analogy is not a simile or a metaphor

Simile and metaphor are like a short comparison between two things. Unlike them, an analogy is used to compare two things in an extended manner. It compares by elaborating the characteristics of things to make an argument digestible.

Why use Analogy?

Analogies are known to be the most effective way to enhance mental effectiveness. People do use them in exams to check learners’ capabilities. They can behave like a communication tool in order to connect the speaker to listener.

In the same way, writers use analogies to connect themselves to their readers. Analogies can make writing rich with beautiful description of ideas.

It enhances the meaning of any literary work by making readers understand the connection between things. Writers may use analogies to tell their readers about the sensitivity of a topic.
For instance, William Shakespeare used analogies in many of his works. One of the examples is in ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

‘a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.’

The above example implies that if you change the name of anything, it does not change that thing’s real identity. It will remain the same. Names do not affect anything.

Other Examples of Analogy

• ‘This flea is you and I, and this. Our marriage bed, and marriage temple is.’ (John Donne)

• Citizen is to president as solar system is to galaxy.

• A relationship without trust is like a cell phone with no service. All you can do is play games.

• New Year’s Eve is like the death of a pet. You know it’s going to happen, but somehow you’re never really prepared for how truly awful it is. (John Oliver)

Check Out: The Difference Between Compared To and Compared With.

Types of Analogies

Analogies come in various forms, each serving a different purpose. Here are some common types:

• Part-to-Whole Analogy: This type compares a part of something to the whole it belongs to. For example, “Branch is to tree as finger is to hand,” highlighting the relationship between a component and its larger entity.
• Cause-and-Effect Analogy: This analogy explains how one thing leads to another. For instance, “Seed is to tree as spark is to fire,” showing how a small action can result in a larger outcome.
• Function Analogy: It compares objects based on their purpose or role. An example would be “Knife is to cutting as pen is to writing,” emphasizing the functional similarity between different tools.
• Opposite Analogy: This contrasts two things that are opposites. For example, “Hot is to cold as day is to night,” illustrating the relationship between contrasting pairs.

Each type of analogy helps in understanding relationships by drawing comparisons that make concepts easier to grasp.

What Did You Learn?

Analogy is the comparison between two things, mostly different from each other. Not only writers but speakers do use them in everyday speech. It is a good tool for mental effectiveness and writers use them to connect themselves with their readers by enhancing the meaning of their literary works.