Using concrete nouns

Techniques > Use of language > Using nouns > Parts of speech > Using concrete nouns

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

Use concrete nouns to bring tangibility and reality to a situation. Connect them to people's senses, talking about what they look, sound, feel, taste and smell like. Connect them physically, getting them to touch and interact with the thing.

Use concrete nouns as metaphors for ideas, helping the other person to envisage what you are trying to convey (It's like a...).

Example

Go on, put your foot on the accelerator pedal and feel that raw power.

Happiness is like a soft bunny.

Discussion

Nouns are things. Concrete nouns are things that can been seen and touched, such as dogs, cats, houses and people.

We live in a three-dimensional world and concrete nouns are easy to understand. If we can communicate with others in terms of concrete things, then our communications can be more effective. This is one reason why metaphor is used so often.

Things are separate from us and, to some extent, define who we are. Children use special dolls and objects to help them understand the not-me concept. We continue this into later life and our possessions are very much a part of who were are. Take them away and we suffer a significant sense of loss.