Hint: A noun is the name of a person, place or thing. In terms of gender, a noun is divided into masculine form and feminine form. Example: Father-Mother. Some nouns which cannot be divided on the basis of gender are called neutral gender nouns. Example: pen, light, television etc.
We will look for an option which cannot be defined in terms of gender among the given options.
Complete answer:
Let us analyse each option individually in detail to figure out the correct answer with the help of the above stated hint.
Pupil: The noun ‘pupil’ means a young person who is learning, a student. A pupil can be of both the genders a boy (masculine) and a girl (feminine). Therefore, this is not the correct option.
Sheep: The noun ‘sheep’ is in its masculine form which is the name of an animal used of grazing and producing wool. It’s feminine form is ‘ewe’. Therefore, this is not the correct option.
Goose: The noun ‘goose’ is in its masculine form which is the name of a web footed bird. The feminine form this is, gander. Therefore, this is not the correct option.
Mountain : The noun ‘mountain’ is a natural elevation of the earth’s surface in the form of a huge hard rock structure mass. This noun is not classified in any gender. Therefore, this is the correct option.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.
Note: Neutral gender nouns are generally non living things. Example: Pen, paper, house, valley, city, country etc. Though, this is not a thumb rule and there are always exceptions. The masculine form of nouns represents the male form of the noun whereas a feminine form of the noun represents the female form of the noun. Example: Husband- Wife.
