Grammatically, there is one main difference between common and proper nouns: proper nouns are always capitalized whereas common nouns are only capitalized in very specific situations. As has been said, common nouns refer to generic people, places, and things. Want a closer look at common nouns? Set your sights on this handy article about them!
Proper nouns can also refer to people, places, things, and ideas. However, proper nouns refer to more specific people and things. As you read each of these proper nouns, you can test your understanding of common nouns. Can you think of a common noun that could also refer to each item referred to by a proper noun?
Visit the full discussion on proper nouns at our article dedicated to them here. Grammatically, the biggest difference between common and proper nouns has to do with capitalization. Proper nouns are always capitalized no matter where they appear in a sentence. One exception to this rule is brand names that use lowercase letters for stylistic reasons: the word iPad is a proper noun even though the first letter is lowercase.
Common nouns, on the other hand, are only capitalized at the beginning of sentences or when used in the title or name of something. For example, the word captain is a common noun and will be lowercase in most sentences.
However, it has a capital letter when it is used in a title such as in the name Captain Hook. Both common and proper nouns are used in most of our sentences. For the most part, it is pretty easy to use them, but you should be careful to always capitalize proper nouns and to only capitalize a common noun when it is appropriate to do so. If you are trying to determine if a word is a common or proper noun, look at the capitalization.
Is the noun capitalized in the middle of a sentence? If so, you most likely have a proper noun. Direct Object The students happily studied grammar. Indirect Object They taught their friends grammar. Object of the Preposition Their friends smiled with glee.
Predicate Nominative They were grammar champions! What are countable and uncountable nouns? What are phrasal verbs? What is an appositive? If you don't want to teach or learn grammar by yourself, click here to see how I can help you. Would you like to download these word lists?
Thank you for your website. It helps solidify my attempts at getting my students thrilled about proper grammar! If you want to teach or learn grammar the easy way, follow our step-by-step program which clearly lays everything out and allows you to move at your own pace.
The Get Smart Grammar Program is presented in a logical sequence, so it's not an overwhelming mishmash of information. Just watch the videos and complete your assignments. Before you know it, you'll be a grammar and sentence diagramming pro!
Elizabeth O'Brien is the creator of Grammar Revolution. The car sat in the lot. The bus pulled up to the stop. We landed at the airport. His religion was important to him. He rode the buggy to school. They sang at the concert. The woman danced in the street. The baseball player threw the ball. What Are Proper Nouns?
Jennifer Terrance Hollywood Crestwood St. How to Use Proper Nouns in a Sentence You use proper nouns in sentences the same way you use common nouns, but they retain their capitalization whether or not they come at the beginning of a sentence. Terrance walked down Crestwood St. The Toyota sat in the Grand Valley parking ramp. The Metrobus pulled up to the Barber St. We landed at the Detroit International Airport. Christianity was important to him. They sang at the Metallica concert. Gladys danced down Swaffer Rd.
Mike Trout threw the ball. Proper Nouns vs.
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