Material Noun: Definitions, Examples, and Uses are necessary for English Grammar and it is the matter or substance of which things are made.
A Material Noun denotes the matter or substance of which things are made. It is also called Mass Noun.
Example:
(1) “River” is a common noun but “water” of which it is made is a Material Noun.
(2) “Sheep” common noun but “mutton” (the flesh of a sheep) is a Material Noun.
Material Noun Definitions
A Material Noun indicates the matter or substance of which things are made. Material Noun is also called Mass Noun.
So, ” hen” or ” cock” is a Common Noun but ” chicken” ( flesh of ” hen” or ” cock” ) is a Material Noun.
Material Nouns examples in sentences
- (1) The table is made of wood.
- (2) We cannot live without water.
- (3) This package is made of fine leather.
- (4) I would like to eat Dehradun rice.
- (5) The trophy is made of silver.
Uses of Material Nouns.
(A) Material Noun becomes Common Noun when they are particularized.
- (1)Fish live in water. ( “Fish” Common Noun)
- (2) Fish is good for food. ( “Fish” Material Noun)
- (3) The water of this tank is clear.
- (4) The gold of the Golconda is pure.
In the 1st sentence, the noun denotes individual fish or fishes and is there for a common noun. In the 2nd sentence, it denotes the matter of which the bodies of fish are made and is, therefore, a Material Noun.
(b) Material Noun becomes common when they do not do things instead of the material.
- (1) He was put in irons (chains made of iron).
(c) Material Nouns or Mass Nouns are always singular in number.
(d) Material noun always indicates liquid or solid substances.