Question

In the following sentence, a word has been italicized. To what category of noun does it belong?
Kiran is responsible for the loss of the whole flock of sheep.
A) Collective noun
B) Abstract noun
C) Uncountable noun
D) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Noun is a word that is used to identify any of a class of people, place or things. There are different types of nouns: Common noun, proper noun, singular and plural nouns, Concrete and abstract nouns, collective nouns, compound nouns, countable and uncountable nouns.

Complete answer:
In this particular question we have to identify which category the italicized word flock lies in.
Option A) Collective noun – is the correct answer because a collective noun describes a group of things. They can be singular or plural depending on how they are used. A singular collective noun refers to a group that functions as one unit or performs the same action at the same time. Like in the above sentence ‘Kiran is responsible for the loss of the whole flock of sheep’. So, flock, committee, crowd are known as singular collective nouns. Thus, this is the correct answer.
Option B) Abstract noun – is an incorrect answer because abstract nouns are intangible ideas or opinions. They are not the things that people can touch, see or hear. It can only be felt. For example: emotions, social concepts, character traits etc. The italicized word ‘flock’ is not an abstract noun because we can see the sheep. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option C) Uncountable noun – is an incorrect answer because an uncountable noun is (also known as mass noun) one that cannot be counted. For example: salt, seafood, air, fire and etc. The italicized word ‘flock’ is not an uncountable noun as we can count sheep. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option D) None of the above – this option is void or null because the italicized word comes under the collective noun. However, this option is inappropriate.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘A’ i.e Kiran is responsible for the loss of the whole flock of sheep – Collective noun

Note: As we know that nouns are important they put emphasis on place, objects and people and etc. Nouns in the sentences give more clarity. There are different types of nouns (i.e. abstract nouns, concrete nouns, countable and uncountable nouns and etc.), each type is designed to serve a different purpose in a sentence. Some get specific, such as proper nouns. Others are more generic, such as abstract nouns. No matter the type, each noun is always going to refer to a person, place, thing, or idea. We should have clear ideas about the noun and their types and not get confused in choosing which type of noun is used.