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noun

naming words

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Naming words (noun) means Nouns, described in the simplified terms used to teach grammar to young children: words that name a person, place, thing or idea. Example: “In today's lesson we are hunting for naming words in the story.”

noun
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Nouns, described in the simplified terms used to teach grammar to young children: words that name a person, place, thing or idea.
"In today's lesson we are hunting for naming words in the story."
"Circle all the naming words in the sentence: 'The dog chased the ball in the park.'"

How to use naming words

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA child-friendly name for nouns — words that name things.

When to use it

Primary-school teaching language, widespread in Indian and British classroom materials. Adults and formal grammar use 'noun'.

Memory tip

The classroom set runs: naming words are nouns, doing words are verbs, describing words are adjectives.

Easily confused with
doing words (verbs) describing words (adjectives) nouns
Common pairings
naming words and doing words find the naming words naming words worksheet
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Test yourself on “naming words” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

In today's lesson we are hunting for _____ in the story.

nouns substantives

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between naming words and doing words?

Naming words are nouns — they name a person, place, thing or idea, such as 'teacher', 'London' or 'happiness'. Doing words are verbs, naming the action in the sentence, such as 'run', 'eat' or 'think'.

Are naming words the same as nouns?

Yes. 'Naming words' is simply the term used with very young learners before the technical word 'noun' is introduced, and the two cover exactly the same set of words.

What is the meaning of naming words?

"naming words" (noun) means nouns, described in the simplified terms used to teach grammar to young children: words that name a person, place, thing or idea.

What is another word for naming words?

Other words for "naming words" include nouns, substantives.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial