Common and Proper Nouns
Nouns are the foundation of sentences, naming everything from people to ideas. Let's explore the two main types: common and proper nouns.
What Are Nouns?
Nouns are the words we use to name people, places, things, or ideas. They are essential building blocks that give our sentences meaning. Think of them as labels for everything in the world around you and inside your mind.
Common Nouns
The General Names
Common nouns refer to general, non-specific people, places, things, or ideas. They are the everyday words we use.
- Person: teacher, doctor, student
- Place: city, park, school
- Thing: book, car, table
Proper Nouns
The Specific Names
Proper nouns name a specific, unique person, place, thing, or idea. They are always capitalized to show their importance.
- Person: Alice, Michael, Mr. Smith
- Place: Mumbai, Taj Mahal, India
- Thing: Statue of Liberty, a specific book title, Earth
Common vs. Proper: Key Differences
The main difference is specificity. Common nouns are general; proper nouns are specific.
| Aspect | Common Noun | Proper Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A general name for a person, place, thing, or idea. | The specific name of a particular person, place, thing, or idea. |
| Capitalization | Only capitalized at the beginning of a sentence. | Always capitalized, no matter where they appear in a sentence. |
| Example (Person) | teacher, artist, friend | Mr. Smith, a famous painter, Sarah |
| Example (Place) | city, country, park | London, Japan, Central Park |
| Example (Thing) | book, car, phone | a famous novel, a specific car brand, a smartphone model |
Practice Time!
Test your understanding with these short exercises:
- Identify the nouns: In the sentence "The friendly dog named Max lives in a big house in London," which are common and which are proper?
- Create a sentence: Write one sentence that includes a common noun for a place and a proper noun for a person.
Key Takeaways
- Common nouns are general and not capitalized unless they start a sentence.
- Proper nouns are specific and are always capitalized.
- Using them correctly makes your writing clear and professional.
- Proper nouns give specific identity, while common nouns talk about general categories.
Exercises and Worksheets
Ready to practice? Test your knowledge with these resources.