Gender nouns. Neuter nouns - Noun-Parts Of Speech-ESL/Learn English Grammar

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23. It is evident from this that English can have but two
genders,--masculine and feminine.

[Sidenote: Gender nouns. Neuter nouns.]

All nouns, then, must be divided into two principal classes,--gender
nouns, those distinguishing the sex of the object; and neuter
nouns, those which do not distinguish sex, or names of things without
life, and consequently without sex.

Gender nouns include names of persons and some names of animals;
neuter nouns include some animals and all inanimate objects.


[Sidenote: Some words either gender or neuter nouns, according to
use.]

24. Some words may be either gender nouns or neuter nouns, according
to their use. Thus, the word _child_ is neuter in the sentence, "A
little _child_ shall lead them," but is masculine in the sentence
from Wordsworth,--

I have seen
A curious _child_ ... applying to _his_ ear
The convolutions of a smooth-lipped shell.

Of animals, those with which man comes in contact often, or which
arouse his interest most, are named by gender nouns, as in these
sentences:--

Before the barn door strutted the gallant _cock_, that pattern of
a husband, ... clapping _his_ burnished wings.--IRVING.

_Gunpowder_ ... came to a stand just by the bridge, with a
suddenness that had nearly sent _his_ rider sprawling over _his_
head--_id._

Other animals are not distinguished as to sex, but are spoken of as
neuter, the sex being of no consequence.

Not a _turkey_ but he [Ichabod] beheld daintily trussed up, with
_its_ gizzard under _its_ wing.--IRVING.

He next stooped down to feel the _pig_, if there were any signs
of life in _it_.--LAMB.



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