Difference between Common Noun and Proper Noun
When we talk about nouns, we usually refer to words that are used to name things or people. However, it’s important to distinguish between common nouns and proper nouns, as they serve different purposes in the English language.
Common Noun
A common noun is a word that is used to refer to a general or ordinary object, person, or concept. These nouns are not capitalized unless they appear at the beginning of a sentence. Examples of common nouns are book, car, dog, teacher, and city.
Common nouns are generic and can be used to refer to any number of similar items. For instance, the word “book” can refer to any book, not just a specific one. Common nouns are used to describe a class or group of things or people.
Proper Noun
On the other hand, a proper noun is a word that is used to refer to a specific or unique object, person, or place. Proper nouns are always capitalized, regardless of where they appear in a sentence. Examples of proper nouns are John, Toyota, Coca-Cola, and New York City.
Proper nouns are unique and refer to specific instances of things or people. For instance, the word “Toyota” refers to a specific car brand, not just any car. Proper nouns are used as names, and they use distinctive spelling and capitalization to make them stand out as different from the common nouns they describe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while common nouns are used to refer to general concepts or objects, proper nouns are used to refer to specific instances or things. It’s important to know the difference between these two types of nouns, as they play distinct roles in the English language. When writing, capitalization is key to distinguishing the proper nouns from the common nouns. By learning to use these two types of nouns correctly, you can improve your writing and communication skills.
Table difference between common noun and proper noun
| Common Noun | Proper Noun |
|---|---|
| A general name for a person, place, or thing | A specific name for a person, place, or thing |
| Not capitalized unless it begins a sentence | Always capitalized |
| Examples: dog, city, book | Examples: Starbucks, New York City, Harry Potter |