A proper noun is a specific name used for an individual person, place, or organization and always begins with a capital letter. On the other hand, a common noun is a general name used for a person, place, or thing and does not require a capital letter unless it is at the beginning of a sentence.
Proper nouns include names of people (e.g. John, Mary), places (e.g. New York, Paris), organizations (e.g. Microsoft, Google), and titles (e.g. President, Doctor). Common nouns, on the other hand, are generic names for people (e.g. teacher, doctor), places (e.g. city, park), things (e.g. car, book), and ideas (e.g. love, freedom).
Examples of Proper Nouns and Common Nouns
1. Proper Noun: John
Common Noun: teacher
2. Proper Noun: Paris
Common Noun: city
3. Proper Noun: Google
Common Noun: company
4. Proper Noun: President
Common Noun: leader
5. Proper Noun: The Mona Lisa
Common Noun: painting
Proper nouns are usually unique and specific, while common nouns are general and can refer to a variety of similar things. It is important to understand the difference between proper nouns and common nouns in order to use them correctly in writing and communication.
When writing, it is essential to capitalize proper nouns to distinguish them from common nouns. For example, “I visited New York last summer” (proper noun) versus “I love visiting cities with rich history” (common noun).
In conclusion, proper nouns and common nouns play different roles in the English language. Proper nouns identify specific individuals, places, or organizations, while common nouns refer to general categories of people, places, or things. By recognizing the distinction between proper nouns and common nouns, you can enhance your writing and communication skills.