it, there is a stronger chance that the word will be learned.
5
It is clear that the children acquire some nouns earlier that another word class, such as
verb, adjective or adverb. Based on the explanation above, the writer has an intention to discuss
more about noun. It is because nous is one of the concrete object that can be understood by students in their foreign language learning. Rodger
found that nouns are easiest to learn, following by adjectives; on the other hand, verbs and adverbs were most difficult. The opinion is also supported
by Ellis and Beaton in Read ’s book; they confirmed that nouns are easier
than verbs because learner can form mental images of them more readily.
6
Thus, the writer wants to identify the noun itself and kind of nouns itself.
2. Types of Nouns
In grammar class people may have learned about noun which commonly defined as word that refer to a person, place, thing or idea. It is
in line with Hatch and Brown that a noun refers to a person, place or thing.
7
Noun can be divided into subclasses: a. Proper noun and Common noun
Proper noun is noun names a special person, place or thing.
8
For example like Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya. While common noun is word uses to name general items rather than
specific ones, like city, state, and woman. b. Abstract noun and Concrete nouns
Abstract noun is word for concept.
9
Means the word referring to ideas, concepts, emotions, and other “things” you
5
Virginia French Allen, Techniques in Teaching Vocabulary, New York: Oxford University Press, 1983, p. 8.
6
John Read, op. cit. p. 40.
7
Evelyn Hatch and Cheryl Brown, op cit, p. 219.
8
McGraw-Hill, Grammar: Practice Book Grade 3, New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, p. 34.
9
Marcella Frank, op. cit., pp. 6-7.
cannot physically interact with. Those are ideas that exist in our mind only. You cannot see, smell, taste, touch, or hear something
named abstract noun, like hope, understanding, beauty and love. While Concrete noun is word for psychical object that can be
perceived by the sense. We can see, touch, and smell the object.
10
Means that is used for actual thing you can touch, see, smell, taste, feel, and hear
– things you interact with every day, like table and chair.
c. Countable and uncountable nouns Countable noun refers to thing that can be counted whether
singular or plural. Frank cited that countable noun usually made plural by the addition of
–s.
11
For example, like books, birds and pianos. While uncountable noun is anything that cannot be
counted. Frank stated mass uncountable nouns is word for concrete objects stated in an undivided quantity. For example like
coffee, iron, and water.
12
d. Singular and plural nouns Singular noun refers to one thing or according to Hill noun
singular noun names one person, place, or thing.
13
For example, like book, bird, and piano. While plural noun represents more
than one thing. Hill cited that plural noun names more than one person, place, or thing.
14
For example, like books, bird and people.
e. Animate and inanimate noun Animate noun is noun that refers to the living thing, person,
animal, and other creature. For example like cat, bird, and dog.
10
Marcella Frank, op. cit. p. 7.
11
ibid.
12
ibid.
13
McGraw-Hill, op. cit. p. 31.
14
ibid.
