A Collective Noun is a class noun that even in the singular form represents more than one individual of the same kind.

Notice that all class nouns in the plural form denote more than one. The word flocks is a class noun because the singular form, flock, is applied to each individual of the class of flocks. It is also a collective noun because the singular form, flock, denotes a number of individuals of the same kind, perhaps birds. The word children is a class noun; but it is not a collective noun, because the singular form, child, denotes but one.

Exercise 169

Classify the nouns in these sentences.

1. Mercury is used in making thermometers.

2. Mercury is the nearest planet to the sun.

3. India is a part of the British Empire.

4. To our astonishment, an Indian quietly entered the cabin.

5. In the days when Augustus Caesar was master of many kings, and Herod reigned in Jerusalem, there lived at Ec bat' a na, among the mountains of Persia, a certain man named Ar'taban the Median.

6. All alone stood Hiawatha, Panting with his wild exertion. Palpitating with the struggle.

7. Give me of your bark, O Birch Tree I

8. Last year we had a "sane Fourth of July."

9. The crew of the ship behaved with great courage.

10. They brought earth from the garden.

11. The earth is one of the smaller planets.

12. The mob Was scattered by the policemen.

13. The child spilled the water.

Exercise 170. Word Studies

1. Make lists of abstract nouns that name (1) qualities, (2) conditions, (3) emotions, (4) actions. If you are not sure whether a word is a noun or an adjective, see if you can use it as the subject of a sentence.

2. You have learned that good speaking and writing are sincere, clear, interesting, correct, and varied. Make abstract nouns to name the qualities suggested by the adjectives just used.

3. Make a list of abstract nouns suggested by these adjectives: weak, beautiful, sick, honorable, 'pure, bright, heavy, brave, round, young, wise, difficult, patient, long, temperate, regular, noble, curious, true, just, foolish, severe, brilliant.

4 Make a list of abstract nouns suggested by these verbs: discover, decide, relieve, possess, think, imagine, deceive, occupy, prove, receive, deny.

5. Make abstract nouns from the following class nouns: friend, man, child, hero, leader, rascal, fool.

Exercise 171. Word Studies

What sort of individuals may each noun studied in Exercise 168 represent?

Think of collective nouns not given in Exercise 168 that may stand for a number of people, ships, fish, horses, cattle, books, trees, apple trees, ministers.