Many nouns have both countable and uncountable uses. There is usually a difference of meaning.

Say whether the italicized nouns are common, proper, collective or abstract.

1. Honesty is the best policy.

a) Common
b) Proper
c) Collective
d) Abstract

Gradable nouns

Some nouns are gradable. They can be used with degree modifiers.

She is a great nuisance. (= She is very annoying.)
The program was a relative success.

A noun clause acts like a noun. It can serve all the purposes a noun serves in a sentence. In the following examples we are comparing the five functions of a noun with that of a noun clause. The sentences are patterned on a similar fashion, but in the first one we have used a noun and in the second one we have used a noun clause.

Fill in the blanks with suitable verbs or pronouns.

1. She is one of the best writers that ————- ever lived.

a) has
b) have

Point out the nouns in the following sentences and say whether they are common, proper, collective, material or abstract.

Correct the following sentences.