verbal · 16 minutes · OETT Sample Confirmed
Physical Things & Ideas
Concrete and abstract nouns
What to know
- concrete: a physical thing
- abstract: an idea, quality, or state
- using the sentence for clues
The same word can name a thing in one sentence and an idea in another.
The core rule
A concrete noun names something physical. An abstract noun names an idea, quality, amount, or state.
A wrench is a physical object, so wrench is a concrete noun. Patience is a quality, so it is an abstract noun. Read the sentence: a balance beam is a physical object, while balance can mean a steady state or an amount left over.
Worked examples
Example 1: easy
Wrench is concrete; patience is abstract.
- A wrench is a physical tool you can hold.
- Patience is a quality, not a physical object. Wrench is concrete; patience is abstract.
The noun wrench names a physical thing; patience names a quality. Compare what each word names.
Example 2: medium
In ‘the gauge displays pressure,’ gauge is concrete and pressure is an abstract measured condition.
- In the sentence, gauge names a physical measuring tool.
- Pressure names the condition it measures. Here, gauge is concrete and pressure is abstract.
The gauge is a physical object, while pressure names a measured condition. Compare the meanings in this sentence.
Example 3: hard
In ‘the balance beam is level,’ beam is concrete while balance meaning equilibrium is abstract.
- A balance beam is a physical bar, so beam is concrete.
- Balance meaning a steady state is abstract.
Read the surrounding words to find which meaning is being used.
Common mistakes
Anything you can measure must be a concrete noun.
You can measure some amounts or conditions without naming a physical object. The measuring tool itself is a concrete object.
Put it into practice
Use guided explanations, check your answers, and try a new variation.