English nouns
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Nouns are words used to refer or identify people, animals, qualities, things, places, and ideas. Majority of nouns have no gender with only a few easily detectable exceptions we will explore here. In this page, we will summarize the main noun rules, types, and ways to form them.
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Type | Example |
---|---|
People | Inna bought this last night. |
Animal | Cats are interesting creatures. |
Qualities | This champagne is of the highest quality. |
Things | Put it on the table. |
Places | Let's go to New York soon! |
Ideas | Breaking the rules is bad. |
While in many other languages gender distinctions are obligatory for grammatical correctness for a majority of the English nouns there is no distinction between them. However, there are few exceptions of nouns that can only identify a male, female or neutral gender.
Masculine | Feminine | Neuter |
---|---|---|
Man | Woman | Person |
Father | Mother | Parent |
Grandfather | Grandmother | Grandparent |
Son | Daughter | Child |
Brother | Sister | Relative |
Boy | Girl | Child |
Uncle | Aunt | - |
Husband | Wife | Spouse |
Nephew | Niece | Child of your brother/sister |
King | Queen | Royalty |
Prince | Princess | Royalty |
Actor | Actress | Artist |
Waiter | Waitress | Server |
Without prior practice or knowledge of the English language, it might be harder to identify nouns or form different versions of them. Through the use of prefixes and suffixes, one can easily identify them in a text.
Prefix | Use | Example |
---|---|---|
Re- | When something repeats | Re-examination |
Anti- | When something is against | Antidote, antihero |
Pre- | When something was in the past | Prehistory, predetermination |
Mis- | When something is wrong or there's a mistake | Miscommunication, misuse |
Co- | When there is a union between things | Co-owner, cooperation |
Under- | When something is not enough | Undervalue, understatement |
Out- | When something is more or higher than other | Outperformance |
Inter- | When something is between things | Interface, interaction |
Over- | When something is too much | Overbooking |
Trans- | When something crosses or goes above | Transatlantic, transparent |
While these prefixes are very commonly used there are many more used to form nouns.
Suffixes are also an extremely helpful way to form nouns to describe professions, people, emotions, states.
The ones used to determine professions are the suffixes "-er", "-or" and "-eer" .
The ones tused to specify or describe a type of person are the suffixes, - "ist", "-ster", and "-ee".
Suffix | Use | Example |
---|---|---|
-ism | To talk about policies, doctrines | Nationalism, totalitarianism |
-age | To form abstract nouns, much variability | Mileage, bondage, wreckage |
-ness | To talk about a state or quality | Happiness, darkness |
-hood | To talk about a collective | Motherhood, neighborhood |
-ship | To indicate a skill, state or rank | Relationship, leadership |
-ry | To turn a verb into a noun | Robbery, bakery |
-ment | To turn an action into noun | Development, acknowledgment |
Singular nouns are used to refer or identify only one person, animal, quality, thing, place, or an idea. They provide the stem based on which a plural noun can be formed. Through the use of several prefixes and suffixes, most of the plural nouns are formed with the presence of few exceptions and irregular nouns. For the full list visit our lesson page.
Singular | Plural | Exception |
---|---|---|
Wife | Wives | Chefs |
Datum | Data | Sheep |
Party | Parties | Species |
Crutch | Crutches | Children |
Countable nouns are used for words that can be counted. They can easily be identified by the determiners placed before them. Uncountable nouns are used for words that can't be counted through the use of numbers and generally are seen as a whole. Determiners and articles help us identify the type of measurement used for the noun.
Common nouns are non-capitalized generic nouns. The only time they are written with a capital letter is if they are at the beginning of the sentence. Proper nouns are used to refer to something very specific that can stand on it's own and are always capitalized.
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My name is Ashlyn, and I am a native English speaker from New Zealand :) I love to create lessons for my students to help them make their English language journey as enjoyable as possible! I am an online university student studying history and social anthropology.
I have two years of teaching experience in private English language schools, and I also have a CELTA certificate. Therefore, I know how to teach English effectively and create lessons to practice speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
I love to use technology in the classroom, and I always create fun and colourful PowerPoint presentations to guide us through the lesson. I am always open to suggestions from my students. If you want to focus more on certain topics or activities, I am happy to make that possible for you.
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Ashlyn is a very competent teacher, her courses are very clear and structured. The lesson is adapted to match with our interests and also there are some games which make the course interactive. I highly recommend her!
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Let me help you improve your English for any purpose. I am a native English speaker with a Master's degree in English, a Bachelor of Science degree and a CELTA teaching qualification.
I have been teaching for four years. As a copy-editor, I have been helping people improve their written English for over ten years (so yes, I can edit documents for you). Interviews: send me your CV and the job description and I will help you prepare.
Ready for certification? I will help you get ready for English language proficiency exams (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, OET, C1 (CAE), C2 (CPE).)
We CAN meet free of charge (just book a FREE CHAT for 20 minutes) to discuss your learning needs/my teaching methods and to start talking.
It is useful if you take a quick online test to establish a starting point: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/test-your-english/general-english/ Please let me know the results A1/2 B1/2 C1/2.
If you need to reschedule, please do so 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged.
NB If you are writing a test like IELTS or TOEFL 'in a month or two' and you need to obtain a minimum score to enter a university, remember that according to education bodies like British Council and Cambridge English, it takes an average of 120-130 lesson hours to move from one level or band to the next. So with 'one or two' months, you need to already be at B2 or Upper Intermediate level to start preparing.
For B2-C2 level students who enjoy photography: Would you would like to improve your English conversation and your photography? In a typical lesson, you will show me your latest photos and describe how and why you took them. Then we will discuss how photos are assessed in photographic competitions and, if necessary, we can go over the essentials of using a digital camera (although it's perfectly fine if you use your mobile phone to take photos).
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Mary is a very experienced and patient teacher. She prepared well before class and did various exercises in class. After class, she sent me always materials of the lesson. I have noticed my improvement in grammar and pronunciation.
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I am an English language teacher with a strong academic background and a love of languages. I enjoy helping people to develop their ability to use English in different contexts.
I have the internationally recognised Cambridge CELTA qualification (Pass A) in English language teaching. I am teaching English to those learning for professional reasons or academic study as well as those learning for personal reasons or holidays. I am able to teach all levels from beginner to advanced (CEFR Levels A1-C2). I usually teach adults.
I have studied social sciences to PhD level and have experience of working in universities as a researcher, including giving tutorials. I have also worked as a professional proofreader.
I speak British English and I have an appreciation of other varieties of English, sometimes referred to as ‘Global Englishes’, as well as the use of English as a ‘lingua franca’ or common language.
I have been trained in the ‘communicative approach’ to language teaching. This approach is based on the idea that the best way for us to learn a language is through using it in communication that is meaningful for us. My lessons will help you to learn English through using it in activities and tasks that are connected to your reasons for learning English and your wider interests. The lessons will include vocabulary, grammar and other aspects of language as well as the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, depending on your priorities. I would like to have some background information about you, including why you are learning English, your professional and/or personal interests and your first language. I can then create lessons that meet your individual needs with activities that are personalised for you.
I have also been trained in teaching English online and I am familiar with a range of digital tools that can make the lessons effective and interesting. I am also familiar with several sources of professionally designed study materials that are publicly available for adaptation for different learners. I will give you feedback on your strengths and on how to improve. I can also give guidance on homework and other resources you can access, if this is of interest to you.
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I have experience of learning languages myself, including Mandarin and Turkish, which I really enjoy. I hope that you will enjoy my English lessons.
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Emily is a native speaker, this is why she is an ideal teacher if you want to learn more than only the English language. She teaches to adults and to all levels A1 until C2. She has lots of different and interactive learning materials. Overall, she is a great teacher, and you will surely learn a lot from her.
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My lessons are student-centred and usually take place on Skype. I treat every student as an individual and tailor my lessons to meet their goals. I use a variety of text books and free online resources including exercises, articles and videos. I usually give out a little homework at the end of each lesson to reinforce what we have done together.
In your first lesson, we will discuss your needs and check your current level. From this, we can decide what sort of lessons will suit you the best. Perhaps you struggle with grammar and sentence structure? Perhaps you need to practice English for a specific purpose, like understanding lectures, making phone calls at work, or travelling? Or perhaps you need a structured course so that you can learn English step by step?
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Corinne is a kind, professional teacher and a great person! I strongly recommend her excellent lessons.
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I am a BA in Education graduate, with vast experience in primary, secondary and higher education levels, as well as in other activities related to education. I believe I have a diverse background which makes me a very adaptable teacher and with a lot to offer.
Most of my experience is in high school ,in adult education and university students. I have been able to develop a good relationship with my students, which has translated to better communication and an altogether more rounded experience for them and myself. My lesson planning has always aimed to reflect my students’ needs and interest applied into useful communicative language structures that they can actually use in their lives.
In my last years as a teacher, I have focused on preparing test-takers for the TOEFL. It has been a completely different experience from what I have had before, but I have helped my students accomplish the desired scores in the proposed time.
I believe in making the learning of a new language something exciting and not frightening at all, but challenging and gratifying instead. My material is dynamic and keeps my students engaged and continuesly developing their communiation skills.
I am flexible with my students' time and shcedule; naturally, it is open for deliberation if needed. I look forward to helping you get to the desired goals you set foryourself!
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Daniel is a wonderful teacher. He can deduce what the needs of each student are and make the class in an entertaining and enriching way. I definitely recommend this teacher!
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Hello! I am a CELTA-qualified native English teacher offering lessons carefully tailored to your needs. Learn by dynamic conversation exchange, written pieces, songs lyrics, podcasts, and fun and challenging exercises. Try out a trial lesson and let’s work together to bring you closer to your English language goals!
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Melissa is a great teacher. The lessons are just what I was looking for: conversation, writting, grammar..
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I was born in İstanbul and I lived there. I hold a bachelor degree in cinema and television at İstanbul Şehir University. During my university years, my stories have been published in major Turkish literary magazines. After my graduation I have been specializing in children's book illustration and literature. I founded children's book publishing house in Turkey. The name is Yıldız Tozu Publishing and my books were released. I worked as an editor-in-chief in the company. I was finding books in the world and I was publishing them in Turkish. I am practically and professionally working on Turkish language and literature. Later on, I moved France to continue my education and works about literature and art. Currently, I am learning french.
I have experience in teaching Turkish in years. Furthermore, I speak English very well (TOEFL B2), it is advantage for students who are beginners.
Here my methodology when I teach Turkish:
I will use the grammar books and my presentations, time to time.
For speaking practice: illustrations, daily conversations
For listening practice: Turkish songs, movies, series
For reading practice: news and articles about Turkey (for advance students), stories, picture books (for intermediate students), texts from language books (for beginner and intermediate students.)
If students need to focus specific area like writing etc. I am designing my class according to that.
In addition, it is because I am using broad material about Turkish media, you will be familiar the culture and sociology of Turkey.
I like to do lesson in creative and in an organized way; therefore, I believe you will learn fast and you will enjoy learning Turkish with me!
I hope to see you in my class :)
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Esra is a very good teacher who uses her self made PowerPoint slides which can be very helpful because of the pictures involved.
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I'm Emma, I'm originally from London but have lived in many countries around the world, and currently live in Italy. I have learnt foreign languages myself, so I can empathise with your every concern about learning a new language!
I speak english with a very clear British accent, and I have much experience with all levels of english learners, from beginners to advanced, from young children to retired adults, online and in person.
Just let me know your needs and language goals, and I will help you!
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Emma is a very good teacher, she is helpful and patient. She helped me to prepare for B2 English exam. She improved my pronunciation and my vocabulary and she understood what I needed.
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My aim is to help as many people achieve their goal of learning English. 10+ years of tutoring experience(classroom and 1-1). Have taught from kindergarten to senior secondary as well as doing communication and pronunciation correction with adults.
I will start were you are … ABC's, colours, numbers and beginner reading OR reading with comprehension, grammar and sentence structure or just plain communication focusing on pronunciation, tenses, and general grammar.
For the little ones I use flash cards, puppets, star chart, etc to keep them involved and interested in the lesson. For the older students I find out where their interests lay, and what their requirements are, and work my lessons around that. As long as you are interested, you will learn.
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Susan is a new teacher and eager to help you learn or improve your English. She is very patient, and you'll surely feel comfortable in her presence.
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Hey everyone!
My name is Ashlyn, and I am a native English speaker from New Zealand :) I love to create lessons for my students to help them make their English language journey as enjoyable as possible! I am an online university student studying history and social anthropology.
I have two years of teaching experience in private English language schools, and I also have a CELTA certificate. Therefore, I know how to teach English effectively and create lessons to practice speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
I love to use technology in the classroom, and I always create fun and colourful PowerPoint presentations to guide us through the lesson. I am always open to suggestions from my students. If you want to focus more on certain topics or activities, I am happy to make that possible for you.
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She speaks very clearly and she uses her time very well. She plans the lessons based on your interests and make it very fun. She has very good energy and I recommend her to everyone..
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Let me help you improve your English for any purpose. I am a native English speaker with a Master's degree in English, a Bachelor of Science degree and a CELTA teaching qualification.
I have been teaching for four years. As a copy-editor, I have been helping people improve their written English for over ten years (so yes, I can edit documents for you). Interviews: send me your CV and the job description and I will help you prepare.
Ready for certification? I will help you get ready for English language proficiency exams (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, OET, C1 (CAE), C2 (CPE).)
We CAN meet free of charge (just book a FREE CHAT for 20 minutes) to discuss your learning needs/my teaching methods and to start talking.
It is useful if you take a quick online test to establish a starting point: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/test-your-english/general-english/ Please let me know the results A1/2 B1/2 C1/2.
If you need to reschedule, please do so 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged.
NB If you are writing a test like IELTS or TOEFL 'in a month or two' and you need to obtain a minimum score to enter a university, remember that according to education bodies like British Council and Cambridge English, it takes an average of 120-130 lesson hours to move from one level or band to the next. So with 'one or two' months, you need to already be at B2 or Upper Intermediate level to start preparing.
For B2-C2 level students who enjoy photography: Would you would like to improve your English conversation and your photography? In a typical lesson, you will show me your latest photos and describe how and why you took them. Then we will discuss how photos are assessed in photographic competitions and, if necessary, we can go over the essentials of using a digital camera (although it's perfectly fine if you use your mobile phone to take photos).
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I'm extremely pleased with my English lessons. Sandra is a very capable teacher who treats her students according to their individual needs. She's an excellent choice for students who would like to push their English on a higher level. I'm currently preparing for a TOEFL test. Thanks to Sandra I feel well prepared and confident to reach the required score. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher and lovely human being.
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My name is Yora Atanasova. I have been a tutor of English and Bulgarian online since 2013, in-person in non-formal language schools, and then solo online.
I have also worked as a staff training and qualification expert within the Bulgarian career guidance system in education. For a decade, I have been an independent EU expert in the fields of vocational training and guidance and non-formal education mainly.
Writing short stories and blogging is my hobby. Currently, eco skills have also become of prior importance to me; as I have moved to live in symbiosis (commensalism) with nature.
MY EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
First of my Master's degrees is in Pedagogy, the second one is in Cultural and Historical Heritage.
I have obtained an IELTS certificate, band 7.5,, and also a 50-hour TESOL certificate through a MOOC .
METHODS
Facilitating natural learning through creative solo activity and in-group interaction and communication, with some flavor of art.
Methods used are largely based on Suggestopedia and "democratic education" under the school models of Sudbury Valley (USA) and Summerhill (UK), plus ICT.
This creative language learning in small groups through reading/writing and communication includes:
- TWO GROUP EVENTS a week: a webinar and a presentation event;
- DAILY TASKS between the group events: SOLO ones - on individual creative projects, and peer project reviews IN MICRO GROUPS of 3÷4 people.
There is much solo work of creative character to be done and enjoyed, as well as feedback e-forms to be filled in.
The two group activities take place on:
✓ Monday and Wednesday;
or
✓ Tuesday and Thursday.
The weekly project produce can be:
- A written text, original or translation;
- An audio story / video with the text display;
- A combination of both.
THIS FORMAT WILL SUIT:
✓ Creative people;,
✓ Active freedom lovers, who'd rather co-build their course;
✓ Those who like learning like in a hobby club.
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The lesson was again very useful for me but at the same time difficult. We used different learning materials that make it easier for us.
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Hi! My name is Elisabetta, I’m from Italy and I can provide professional Italian, Spanish and English language lessons for all levels. I am an open and friendly person, but also very rigorous with my job and I expect my students be the same, that is positive and committed. The language course I am offering will be tailored to your specific needs and we’ll together find the best way to reach your goal: learn a new language and enjoying while doing it!
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Elisabetta is a teacher who manages to convey love for her work. It follows you on your path of growth and strongly supports you. He follows different teaching methods according to the needs and priorities of the moment. Punctual, precise and super helpful. That's what I was looking for! Thanks
Elisabetta S.Thank you very much dear, I send you a hug :)
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Oksana is a very experienced teacher. She has written several Russian course books. Since she is a native speaker, she can teach you more than only the language. Her classes also include culture, she adjusts her classes to your needs. She is an enthusiastic teacher, ready to help you learn a new language!
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Vanessa has over 10 years of teaching experience. She teaches the levels from A1 until C1. She cannot only teach you the language but also educate you on the relevant cultural topics related to the Spanish language. Furthermore, she will also be able to help you with industry specific vocabulary if necessary. Her lessons are completely adjusted to you and your needs.
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