20 *Articles with Abstract Nouns

Abstract Nouns fall into two classes: Countables and Uncountables.

The use of articles with countable Abstract Nouns does not differ from their use with countable concrete nouns. Singular countable Abstract Nouns are used with the indefinite or definite article; plural Abstract Nouns are used without any article or with the definite article.

Many Abstract Nouns can have both Uncountable and Countable uses. The Uncountable form is used with a “general” meaning whereas the Countable form has a “particular” meaning.

• The complexities of communism are hard to understand. (Countable)
  I was shocked by the complexity of his problems. (Uncountable)

• She is a scientist, she tells the universal truths. (Countable)
  There is no truth in her story. (Uncountable)

The use of articles with uncountable Abstract Nouns:

• As a general rule, Uncountable Abstract Nouns are used without any article. The absence of the article has the nominative meaning;
• The definite article is used with Uncountable Nouns when the situation makes the idea definite. In this case the meaning of the article is restricting;
• Abstract Nouns can be used with the indefinite article. In this case the Abstract Noun denotes a certain kind of quality, feeling, state, etc. The noun nearly always has a descriptive attribute.

Abstract Nouns fall into two classes: Countables and Uncountables.

The use of articles with countable Abstract Nouns does not differ from their use with countable concrete nouns — in the singular Countable Abstract Nouns are used with the indefinite or definite article; in the plural they are used without any article or with the definite article.

Many Abstract Nouns can have both Uncountable and Countable uses. The Uncountable form is used with a ‘general’ meaning whereas the Countable form has a ‘particular’ meaning.

For example:
— “She made clever comments about my article.” = As an Abstract Noun, comment is used as a Countable Noun.
— “There was a lot of comment about Princess Diana’s death.” = In this sentence, comment is used a an Uncountable Noun.

Let’s revise this content within the [Form] section. Take a look at the [Example] section that shows its use within a context.