nouns Common, proper, singular, plural, and possessive

A NOUN IS A WORD THAT NAMES A PERSON, a PLACE, A THING, OR AN IDEA. BROTHER, JUDGE, ATHLETE, TEACHER, MOTHER-IN-LAW PERSONS NEIGHBORHOOD, COUNTY, CITY PLACES BOOK, SHOE, FLOWER, PENCIL THINGS PRIDE, SKILL, TRUTH, DEMOCRACY, SUCCESS IDEAS

COMMON Nouns A COMMON NOUN NAMES ANY PERSON, PLACE, THING OR IDEA.

PROPER nouns A PROPER NOUN NAMES A SPECIFIC PERSON, PLACE, THING, OR IDEA. Proper nouns can be one or more words. Proper nouns always begin with a capital letter.

Common Noun Proper Noun People actor singer athlete Johnny Depp Mariah Carey Danica Patrick Places building city river Tower of London Tuscon Nile Things book movie song Mathilda Pirates of the Caribbean “This Land is Your Land”

A singular noun names one person, place, thing, or idea. Singular nouns A singular noun names one person, place, thing, or idea.

A plural noun names more than one. Plural nouns A plural noun names more than one.

Forming Plural Nouns Nouns ending with To Form Plural Examples -s, -ss, -zz, -ch, -sh, -x Add -es bus buzz box buses buzzes boxes -o, preceded by a vowel Add -s cameo studio stereo cameos studios stereos -o, preceded by a consonant Usually add -es hero potato echo heroes potatoes echoes Sometimes add -s zero photo piano zeros photos pianos -y, preceded by a vowel day donkey turkey days donkeys turkeys -f or -fe Usually change –f to –v, and add -es leaf life half leaves lives halves roof chief belief roofs chiefs beliefs

Possessive Nouns Possessive nouns are nouns that show ownership or possession. They can be singular or plural. It names who or what has something Ex: The World Cup is the amateur skiers’ competition. (plural-apostrophe is after s) A prize is awarded for the outstanding men’s achievement. (plural-men is plural) The women’s division also awards a prize. (plural-women is plural)

Forming Possessive Nouns To Form Possessive Examples Most singular nouns Add an apostrophe and –s (‘s) Karen has new skis. Karen’s skis are new. Singular nouns ending in -s Chris got new skis last year. Chris’s skis are in the attic. Plural nouns ending in -s Add an apostrophe (‘) Many skiers wear goggles. The skiers’ goggles are sturdy. Plural nouns not ending in -s The men gave warm sweaters. The men’s sweaters are warm.

When you are writing, remember that possessive nouns always contain apostrophes, Plural nouns do not.

Distinguishing Between Possessive Nouns and Plural Nouns Where is the athlete’s school? Singular Possessive Noun Where is the athletes’ school? Plural Possessive Noun Where are the athletes? Plural Noun