The Difference Between Common Nouns and Proper Nouns
Introduction
As we all know, nouns are one of the basic parts of speech in the English language. They are words that name people, places, things or ideas. However, there are two types of nouns that are commonly used in the language – Common Nouns and Proper Nouns. While both these types of nouns seem similar, there are key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will take a closer look at the differences between common nouns and proper nouns.
What are Common Nouns?
A common noun is a type of noun that denotes a general name given to a person, animal, place or thing. Unlike proper nouns, common nouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence. Common nouns can refer to anything without specifying a particular name. Examples of common nouns include dog, cat, city, car, house, ball, etc.
What are Proper Nouns?
A proper noun, on the other hand, is a type of noun that refers to a specific name of a person, animal, place or thing. Proper nouns are always capitalized, regardless of their position in the sentence. Proper nouns can refer to anything that has a specific name. Examples of proper nouns include John, London, Coca-Cola, Toyota, White House, etc.
Differences Between Common Nouns and Proper Nouns
The major differences between common nouns and proper nouns are as follows:
1. Capitalization – Common nouns are not capitalized, while proper nouns are always capitalized.
2. Specificity – Common nouns refer to general things or people, while proper nouns refer to specific ones.
3. Definition – Unlike common nouns, proper nouns generally refer to entities that have a well-defined existence or identity.
4. Position – Common nouns can appear anywhere in a sentence, while proper nouns usually appear at the beginning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, common nouns and proper nouns are two essential types of nouns in the English language. The major differences between common nouns and proper nouns lie in their capitalization, specificity, definition, and position in a sentence. As writers, it is important to understand these differences so as to use them correctly and effectively in our writing.
Table difference between common nouns and proper nouns
| Common Nouns | Proper Nouns |
|---|---|
| Refers to general people, places, things, or concepts | Refers to specific people, places, things, or concepts |
| Not capitalized unless at the beginning of a sentence or in a title | Always capitalized |
| Examples: dog, city, book, love | Examples: Mary, London, Harry Potter, Valentine’s Day |