Page 4 Nouns

Page 4 Nouns 

A noun (from Latin nomen, name) names a person, place, or thing.

1. It usually is preceded by an article such as a, an, or the.
2. It usually can take an (s) to make it plural.

Specific nouns refer to an exact person, place, or thing.

• Instead of saying building, the writer may say skyscraper, hospital ward, or ski chalet.
  
• Instead of saying flower, the writer may say petunia, begonia, or tulip.
  

Articles indicate whether a noun is specific or general.

• Specific Article: After the final exam, Tad will attend the celebration.
  

Using the indicates that one specific exam will be taken, and afterwards Tad will go to a specific party.

• General Article: After a final exam, a student usually attends a celebration.
  

Using a indicates that after any final exam is taken, students in general take part in some type of celebration.