A. What are abstract nouns?

An abstract noun represents an idea, experience or quality rather than an object that you can touch. For example, advice, happiness, intention and (in)justice are abstract nouns but pen, bed and trousers are not.

B. Suffixes in abstract nouns

Certain suffixes (see Unit 70) are used frequently in abstract nouns. The most common are -ment, -ion, -ness and -ity. The suffix -ion sometimes becomes -tion, -sion, -ation or -ition. The suffixes -ment and -ion are usually used to make verbs into abstract nouns. The suffixes -ness and -ity are added to adjectives.

Here are some examples of abstract nouns using those suffixes.

C. Less common suffixes forming abstract nouns

-ship, -dom, -th and -hood

The suffixes -ship and -hood are usually added to other nouns to form abstract nouns. The suffix -th is added to an adjective to form an abstract noun and -dom can combine with either a noun or an adjective.

Here are some examples of abstract nouns using those suffixes.

When he left school, Rolf trained as an electrician with a large company. There were two other boys in a similar position and he enjoyed their companionship. They developed such a good relationship that, once they’d completed their apprenticeship, they decided to go into partnership together. Now they have set up a business under joint ownership. They have taken out membership of the Association of Electricians and are beginning to attract a great deal of work.

D. Abstract nouns with no suffix