Nouns
As noted earlier, subjects and predicates are related to nouns and verbs. Tradi-
tional grammar defines a noun as a person, place, or thing. However, this defi-
nition is not the best because it isn’t sufficiently inclusive. The wordMonday,
for example, is a noun, but it is not a thing, nor isfreedomor any number of
other words. For this reason, it is tempting to define a noun in terms of function:
A noun is any word that can function as a subject.
Although this definition is better than the traditional one, it is not completely
accurate. A word likerunningcan function as a subject, and when it does it has
the characteristics of a noun, but some people argue that the underlying nature
of the word—its form as a verb—doesn’t change. To better describe the com-
plexity and nuances of this situation, linguists call words like “running”
nominals.This term can be applied to any word that has a classification other
than noun that can be made to function as a noun.
If the situation seems complicated, it is. In fact, defining the termnounis
such a problem that many grammar books do not even try to do it. Accepting the
idea that the concept ofnounis fairly abstract, however, can point us in the right
direction, toward a reasonably acceptable definition. Also, we want a definition
that students can easily grasp. From this perspective,nouns are the labels we
use to name the world and our experiences in it.
As suggested earlier, nouns function as the head words for noun phrases.
Thus, even complex noun phrases are dominated by the single noun that serves
as head word.
Teaching Tip
Nouns can function as modifiers; that is, they can supply information to other
words, typically other nouns. A good example is the word “evening,” which is
classified as a noun. But we can use it as a modifier in sentences like “Rita
wore an evening gown.” Words that modify nouns are called “adjectives,” dis-
cussed in detail on pages 77 to 79. But when a noun like “evening” functions
as a modifier, it retains its underlying form as a noun. For this reason, we call it
an “adjectival.” Students often are confused when they see nouns functioning
as adjectives. Using the term “adjectival” can help them better understand the
difference between form and function.Common Nouns, Proper Nouns, and Mass Nouns
There are three major types of nouns.Common nouns,as the name suggests, are
the largest variety. Common nouns signify a general class of words used in
naming and include such words as those in the following list:
TRADITIONAL GRAMMAR 59