Proper nouns vs. common nouns

Nouns are foundational to every sentence, as they help us name and describe people, places, things, and ideas. While all nouns serve a similar purpose, they can be divided into two main types: common nouns and proper nouns. Understanding the difference between these types is crucial for correct capitalisation and clarity in your writing.

What Are Proper Nouns and Common Nouns?

Definition of Common Nouns

A common noun is a general term used to name people, places, things, or ideas. These nouns are not specific and are not capitalised unless they begin a sentence.

Examples of Common Nouns:

• • People: teacher, doctor, athlete
  • Places: city, park, country
  • Things: book, chair, car
  • Ideas: happiness, courage, friendship

Definition of Proper Nouns

A proper noun, on the other hand, names a specific person, place, thing, or idea. Proper nouns are always capitalised, regardless of where they appear in a sentence.

Examples of Proper Nouns:

• • People: Albert Einstein, Serena Williams
  • Places: London, Grand Canyon
  • Things: iPhone, The Mona Lisa
  • Ideas: Christianity, Industrial Revolution

Key Differences Between Common and Proper Nouns

The primary difference between common and proper nouns is their specificity and capitalisation.

Examples of Common and Proper Nouns

Here is a table illustrating the differences with examples:

How to Use Common and Proper Nouns?

Capitalisation Rules

• • Proper nouns are always capitalised, regardless of where they appear.
    • • Example: New York City is a popular tourist destination.
  • Common nouns are only capitalised if they begin a sentence or are part of a title.
    • • Example: Dogs are loyal animals. (capitalised at the beginning of the sentence)

Titles and Names

Common nouns can turn into proper nouns when they are part of a name or title.

• • Common: The president addressed the nation.
  • Proper: President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.

Tips for Differentiating Common and Proper Nouns

1. Look at Capitalisation: If a noun is capitalised in the middle of a sentence, it is likely a proper noun. Common nouns are usually lowercase unless they start a sentence.

• • Example: The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.

2. Ask About Specificity: If the noun refers to something specific, it is a proper noun.

• • Common: I visited a museum.
  • Proper: I visited the Louvre Museum.

3. Think About Names and Titles: Names and specific titles are always proper nouns.

• • Example: Captain Jack Sparrow is a fictional character who is often portrayed as a pirate.

Test Your Knowledge

Identify whether the bolded nouns are common or proper nouns:

1. My favourite movie is Titanic.

2. She visited the park last weekend.

3. Michael Jordan is a basketball legend.

4. We saw a herd of elephants on the safari.

5. Have you read The Great Gatsby?

Answers:

1. Proper noun

2. Common noun

3. Proper noun

4. Common noun

5. Proper noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a proper noun?
A proper noun names a specific person, place, thing, or idea. It is always capitalised. Examples: Eiffel Tower, Nelson Mandela.

Q2. Can a word be both a common and proper noun?
Yes. For example:

• • Common: The school is closed today.
  • Proper: Springfield High School is organising a fundraiser.

Q3. Why is capitalisation important for proper nouns?
Capitalisation helps distinguish proper nouns from common nouns, ensuring clarity and specificity in written communication.

Q4. Are brand names proper nouns?
Yes, brand names are considered proper nouns. Examples: Apple, Coca-Cola, Adidas.

Q5. How do you tell the difference between a common and proper noun in a sentence?
Look for specificity and capitalisation. Proper nouns are always specific and capitalised, while common nouns are generic and lowercase (unless they start a sentence).