Abstract Nouns and Phrases

What are we learning today?

You will learn to use abstract nouns and noun phrases for place and time.

Explanation

• An abstract noun names an idea: accident, injury, danger, illness, health.
• You can add an adjective: a serious injury.
• Place phrases: the forest floor, the living room.
• Time phrases: last week, two weeks ago, in 2010, over the last 30 years.
• Ever, never and "in my life" go with the present perfect.
• Last week and ago go with the past simple.

Examples

1. The tiger is a big part of the culture here.
2. Over the last month there has been an accident near our school.
3. She has had many accidents in the last ten years.

Remember!

• Put the adjective before the noun: "a serious injury".
• Do not use "ever" with "last week".

Check yourself

1. Which noun is abstract: "danger" or "tractor"?
2. Which time phrase goes with the past simple: "ever" or "last week"?