Material Noun: Definition, Uses, Rules and Examples

Mastering nouns is a big part of learning English grammar, and one of the most interesting categories is the material noun. These nouns describe the raw substances or materials from which other things are made like gold, wood, water and cotton. In this guide, we’ll explore the definition, classification, examples, rules and common mistakes students make while using material nouns.

What Is a Material Noun?

A material noun refers to the name of a substance or material out of which things are made. These are usually raw materials that can be touched, seen, or felt.

Example: Gold is used to make jewelry. Here, gold is a material noun because it’s the raw material.

Some common material nouns include: wood, iron, cotton, silver, glass, milk, and water.

Definition of Material Noun

According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary:

A material noun is “a word that refers to a substance from which things are made or to things that are needed to do a particular activity.”

Examples:

• Gold is a precious metal.
• Water is essential for life.

Examples of Material Nouns in Sentences

Here are a few material noun examples to understand their use in real life:

• The dress was made of cotton.
• My grandmother’s ring is made of gold.
• Houses are built with bricks and cement.
• The ball is made of leather.
• We drink milk every day.
• This furniture is made of wood.

Classification of Material Nouns

Material nouns can be grouped based on their sources:

Uses of Material Noun in Sentences

Material nouns are used in several ways:

1. Indicating a substance:
   • The necklace is made of silver.
     
2. Expressing abstract value or knowledge:
   • She shared valuable information.
     
3. Representing food and drinks:
   • I like a glass of milk before bed.
     
4. Naming building materials:
   • The bridge is made of steel.
     
5. Representing natural elements:
   • The mountain is full of stone.

Rules of Material Noun Usage

When using material nouns, follow these grammar rules:

1. Uncountable by nature:
   • ❌ Incorrect: Waters are flowing.
   • ✅ Correct: Water is flowing.
     
2. No plural forms:
   • ❌ Incorrect: He bought milks.
   • ✅ Correct: He bought milk.
     
3. Use articles carefully:
   • ❌ Incorrect: She bought diamond ring.
   • ✅ Correct: She bought a diamond ring.
     
4. Use determiners like little, some, much:
   • ✅ Correct: There is little water in the glass.
     
5. Don’t use numbers directly with material nouns:
   • ❌ Incorrect: One salt is on the table.
   • ✅ Correct: One packet of salt is on the table.
     
6. Capitalization rule:
   • Only capitalize if it starts the sentence or is a proper noun.

Common Mistakes with Material Nouns

• Adding s/es to form plurals (❌ milks → ✅ milk).
• Using a/an before uncountable materials (❌ a gold → ✅ gold).
• Using determiners like few/many (❌ many waters → ✅ much water).

Key Points to Remember

• Material nouns are mostly uncountable.
• They represent raw substances.
• They don’t have plural forms.
• Articles and determiners must be used with care.

Worksheet on Material Nouns

Identify the material nouns in these sentences:

1. The cup is made of glass.
2. My sweater is made of wool.
3. They spilled oil on the floor.
4. She bought furniture made of wood.
5. Bricks and cement are used for building.

Answers: glass, wool, oil, wood, bricks, cement

Conclusion

Material nouns are an important part of English grammar because they describe the very substances that make up our world. From natural elements like water and gold to man-made materials like plastic and bricks, these nouns appear in everyday conversations. Remember, they are mostly uncountable, do not take plural forms, and must be used carefully with determiners.

By practicing with examples and worksheets, you’ll master material nouns and use them correctly in sentences.

Frequently Asked Questions