Nouns and Gender: Definition, Types, and Examples

In English grammar, nouns and pronouns are often associated with gender classifications. While many nouns are gender-neutral (neuter gender), those related to people and animals can have specific masculine or feminine forms. This article examines the meaning, definition, and examples of gender in English grammar, aiming to provide a clear understanding of this concept.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Gender in Grammar? – Meaning and Definition

2. Types of Gender with Examples

• • Masculine Gender
  • Feminine Gender
  • Neuter Gender
  • Common Gender

3. Examples of Gender in English Grammar

4. Frequently Asked Questions on Gender in English Grammar

What Is Gender in Grammar? – Meaning and Definition

Gender in grammar refers to the classification of nouns and pronouns as masculine, feminine, neuter, or common. Gender helps determine how other words in a sentence interact with the noun or pronoun in terms of agreement and grammatical forms.

Definition:

• • According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, gender is defined as “each of the classes (masculine, feminine, and sometimes neuter) into which nouns, pronouns, and adjectives are divided; the division of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives into these different genders. Different genders may have different endings, etc.”
  • The Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes gender as “a subclass within a grammatical class (such as noun, pronoun, adjective, or verb) of a language that is partly arbitrary but also partly based on distinguishable characteristics and that determines agreement with and selection of other words or grammatical forms.”

Types of Gender with Examples

Nouns and pronouns in English can be categorized into four primary genders: masculine, feminine, neuter, and common. Let’s explore each type with definitions and examples.

Masculine Gender

Definition: Refers to nouns and pronouns used to denote male persons or animals.

Examples:

• • Man
  • Boy
  • Father
  • King
  • Stallion
  • Lion

In Sentences:

• • The king addressed his people.
  • A lion is known for its strength.

Feminine Gender

Definition: Refers to nouns and pronouns used to denote female persons or animals.

Examples:

• • Woman
  • Girl
  • Mother
  • Queen
  • Mare
  • Hen

In Sentences:

• • The queen ruled wisely.
  • A mare is grazing in the field.

Neuter Gender

Definition: Refers to nouns that are neither male nor female. These nouns are inanimate objects or concepts that have no gender.

Examples:

• • Book
  • Car
  • River
  • Mountain
  • Chair

In Sentences:

• • The book is on the table.
  • The river flows through the valley.

Common Gender

Definition: Refers to nouns that can denote either male or female.

Examples:

• • Teacher
  • Doctor
  • Student
  • Friend
  • Parent

In Sentences:

• • The teacher explained the topic clearly.
  • A doctor should always care for their patients.

Examples of Gender in English Grammar

Here are additional examples of gender classifications:

Frequently Asked Questions on Gender in English Grammar

Q1. What is gender in English grammar?

Gender in grammar indicates whether a noun or pronoun is masculine, feminine, neuter, or common. While many nouns in English are gender-neutral, those related to people and animals often have gender-specific forms.

Q2. What is the definition of gender in grammar?

• • The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines gender as “each of the classes (masculine, feminine, and sometimes neuter) into which nouns, pronouns, and adjectives are divided.”
  • The Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes it as “a subclass within a grammatical class (such as noun, pronoun, adjective, or verb) of a language.”

Q3. What are the types of gender in English grammar?

The four types of gender in English grammar are:

1. Masculine Gender
2. Feminine Gender
3. Neuter Gender
4. Common Gender

Q4. Give some examples of masculine and feminine genders.

• • Masculine: Man, Boy, King, Lion
  • Feminine: Woman, Girl, Queen, Mare

Q5. Are there any gender-neutral nouns in English?

Yes, examples include books, cars, teachers, doctors, and rivers. These nouns are classified as neuter or common gender, depending on their usage.