Proper Noun vs. Common Noun: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 22, 2024

Proper nouns name specific, unique entities (e.g., 'Elizabeth', 'New York'), while common nouns refer to general items or classes of things (e.g., 'woman', 'city').

Proper Noun vs. Common Noun

Key Differences

Proper nouns are specific names given to individual entities, making them unique and often capitalized, like 'Amazon River' or 'Shakespeare'. Common nouns, on the other hand, are general names for a class or group of entities, such as 'river' or 'writer', and are usually not capitalized unless they start a sentence.

Feb 22, 2024

A proper noun identifies a one-of-a-kind item, like 'Mount Everest', which refers to a specific mountain. In contrast, a common noun like 'mountain' can refer to any mountain in general, not a specific one.

Feb 22, 2024

In grammar, proper nouns are always capitalized because they denote specific, identifiable entities, like 'London' or 'Julia'. Common nouns are not typically capitalized (unless starting a sentence) as they represent general items, like 'city' or 'girl'.

Feb 22, 2024

Proper nouns cannot usually be pluralized, as in 'There are many New Yorks', which is incorrect. Common nouns can be plural, like 'dogs', 'cities', or 'cars', to refer to more than one of a general category.

Feb 22, 2024

Proper nouns do not take a definite or indefinite article in most cases ('the' or 'a'), as in 'I visited Eiffel Tower'. Common nouns usually require an article or quantifier, like 'a dog', 'the city', or 'some water'.

Feb 22, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Specificity

Names specific, unique entities.

Refers to general classes of items.

Feb 22, 2024

Capitalization

Always capitalized.

Not capitalized unless at sentence start.

Feb 22, 2024

Example Usage

'Paris', 'Atlantic Ocean'.

'city', 'ocean'.

Feb 22, 2024

Pluralization

Generally not pluralized.

Can be pluralized.

Feb 22, 2024

Use with Articles

Usually without articles.

Typically with articles.

Feb 22, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

Proper Noun and Common Noun Definitions

Proper Noun

Proper Noun refers to unique entities and is always capitalized.

We visited London last summer.

Jan 24, 2024

Common Noun

Common Noun can be singular or plural and can be generic.

There are many cars on the road.

Jan 24, 2024

Proper Noun

A Proper Noun identifies individual names of people, cities, or landmarks.

The book was written by Hemingway.

Jan 24, 2024

Common Noun

A Common Noun is a general name for a person, place, or thing.

The cat sat on the mat.

Jan 24, 2024

Proper Noun

Proper Noun is used for names of days, months, organizations, and titles.

I have an appointment on Monday.

Jan 24, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

Common Noun

A Common Noun is typically not capitalized unless it starts a sentence.

Birds fly south for the winter.

Jan 24, 2024

Proper Noun

A Proper Noun signifies a one-of-a-kind name not shared by common items.

The Titanic sank in 1912.

Jan 24, 2024

Common Noun

Common Noun denotes a general class or category, not specific.

She loves reading books.

Jan 24, 2024

Proper Noun

A Proper Noun is a specific name for a particular person, place, or thing.

I met Sarah at the park.

Jan 24, 2024

Common Noun

A Common Noun represents general items, not unique names.

We walked through a forest.

Jan 24, 2024

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can Common Nouns be capitalized?

Only if they start a sentence or are part of a title.

Feb 22, 2024

What is a Proper Noun?

A name given to a specific individual, place, or organization.

Feb 22, 2024

Give an example of a Proper Noun.

"Amazon River" is a Proper Noun.

Feb 22, 2024

What is a Common Noun?

A general name for a type or class of objects or people.

Feb 22, 2024

Can Proper Nouns be pluralized?

Generally, no, because they refer to specific entities.

Feb 22, 2024

Do Proper Nouns use articles?

Usually not, as they are specific names.

Feb 22, 2024

Is 'school' a Common Noun?

Yes, unless it's part of a specific name like 'Lincoln High School'.

Feb 22, 2024

Give an example of a Common Noun.

"river" is a Common Noun.

Feb 22, 2024

Are objects like 'chair' Common Nouns?

Yes, because they denote a class of items.

Feb 22, 2024

Are Proper Nouns always capitalized?

Yes, Proper Nouns are always capitalized.

Feb 22, 2024

Do Common Nouns require articles?

Yes, like "a car" or "the city".

Feb 22, 2024

Why are Proper Nouns capitalized?

To indicate their uniqueness and specific identity.

Feb 22, 2024

Can Proper Nouns be used without context?

They usually identify specific entities without needing context.

Feb 22, 2024

Can Common Nouns be pluralized?

Yes, like "dogs" or "cars".

Feb 22, 2024

Is 'Tuesday' a Proper Noun?

Yes, as it's the specific name of a day.

Feb 22, 2024

Is 'mountain' a Common Noun?

Yes, it's a general term for any mountain.

Feb 22, 2024

Are product names Proper Nouns?

Yes, like "iPhone" or "Coca-Cola".

Feb 22, 2024

Do Common Nouns represent specific things?

No, they represent general categories or types.

Feb 22, 2024

Are countries Proper Nouns?

Yes, like "France" or "Brazil".

Feb 22, 2024

Can a Proper Noun become a Common Noun?

Rarely, usually in cases of genericization.

Feb 22, 2024

Share this page

Link for your blog / website

HTML

Link to share via messenger

PPPoE vs. PPPoA

Proper Noun vs. Common Noun

Amoxicillin vs. Penicillin

Proper Noun vs. Common Noun

About Author

Written by

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Trending Comparisons

LTE vs. CDMA

February 4, 2024

LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a 4G wireless communication standard with high-speed data transfer, while CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) is an older 2G/3G technology for mobile networks.

Celsius vs. Kelvin

Celsius vs. Kelvin

January 1, 2024

Celsius is a temperature scale with 0°C as water's freezing point and 100°C its boiling point, while Kelvin is an absolute scale starting at absolute zero (0 K).

Poem vs. Poetry

Poem vs. Poetry

December 25, 2023

A poem is a piece of writing that expresses ideas and emotions with a distinctive style and rhythm; poetry is the art form of writing such pieces.

Smart TV vs. Android TV

Smart TV vs. Android TV

December 25, 2023

A Smart TV is an internet-connected television with a variety of apps, while an Android TV is specifically a Smart TV powered by Google's Android TV operating system.

Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes

Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes

December 25, 2023

Japanese Eyes and Chinese Eyes refer to linguistic structures in Japanese and Chinese respectively, each reflecting unique aspects of grammar and syntax.

Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18

Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18

February 8, 2024

The Seagate Exos X16 offers up to 16TB storage with a focus on high-capacity data centers, while the Exos X18 upgrades to 18TB, enhancing performance and capacity for enterprise demands.

Nike Air Force 1 LE vs. Nike Air Force 1 '07

Nike Air Force 1 LE vs. Nike Air Force 1 ’07

April 16, 2024

Nike Air Force 1 LE often represents limited edition releases with unique designs, while Nike Air Force 1 '07 is a modern version of the classic, maintaining the iconic style with updated materials.

Inox vs. Stainless Steel

Inox vs. Stainless Steel

January 10, 2024

Inox is a synonym for stainless steel, used mainly in Europe, while stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy containing chromium.

Gorilla Glass vs. Panda Glass

Gorilla Glass vs. Panda Glass

January 5, 2024

Gorilla Glass is a highly durable, scratch-resistant glass used in electronic devices, while Panda Glass is a similar protective glass known for its high transparency and toughness.

Assemble vs. Build

Assemble vs. Build

December 25, 2023

Assemble refers to the act of gathering and organizing pre-existing components, while build involves the creation of something new by combining various materials or elements.

Payment vs. Remittance

Payment vs. Remittance

April 9, 2024

Payment is a transfer of money for goods or services, while remittance involves sending money to a distant location, often overseas.

2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors

2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors

December 25, 2023

2 Pole Motors have one pair of magnetic poles and run at higher speeds, while 4 Pole Motors have two pairs of poles and operate at lower speeds, offering higher torque.

Oscar vs. Emmy

February 20, 2024

The Oscar is an award for cinematic achievements, while the Emmy recognizes excellence in television.

Social Change vs. Cultural Change

Social Change vs. Cultural Change

December 25, 2023

Social change refers to shifts in societal structures and institutions, impacting behaviors and relationships among people. Cultural change pertains to alterations in a group's shared beliefs, values, and customs, influencing their way of life.

Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5

Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5

January 1, 2024

Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved scratch resistance and durability compared to its predecessors, while Gorilla Glass 5 focuses on enhanced drop protection and toughness.

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

December 25, 2023

A Hard Copy is a physical version of a document or file, usually on paper, while a Soft Copy is a digital version of the document, stored electronically.

NAT vs. PAT

March 5, 2024

NAT (Network Address Translation) translates private IP addresses to a public one for internet access. PAT (Port Address Translation) maps multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP using different ports.

White Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar Crime

White Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar Crime

December 25, 2023

White Collar Crime involves non-violent, financially motivated offenses often committed by professionals, while Blue Collar Crime refers to physical or violent crimes often by manual laborers.

Catapult vs. Trebuchet

Catapult vs. Trebuchet

January 4, 2024

A catapult is a ballistic device using tension or torsion to launch projectiles, while a trebuchet is a type of catapult using a counterweight for greater force and distance.

Tap Root vs. Fibrous Root

Tap Root vs. Fibrous Root

February 28, 2024

Tap root is a single, thick primary root growing vertically downward, while fibrous root is a network of many thin roots spreading out near the surface.

Goth vs. Alt

February 5, 2024

Goth is a dark, often Victorian-influenced subculture and style, while Alt (alternative) is a broader term encompassing non-mainstream styles and attitudes.

Moms vs. Mom's

Moms vs. Mom’s

February 22, 2024

"Moms" is the plural form of "mom," referring to multiple mothers, while "Mom's" is the possessive form of "mom," indicating something belongs to or is related to a mother.

Big vs. Small

December 25, 2023

Big refers to large size, quantity, or importance, while small denotes a lesser size, amount, or significance.

Login vs. Logon

Login vs. Logon

December 25, 2023

"Login" and "Logon" are often used interchangeably to describe the process of gaining access to a computer system, but "login" can also refer to the credentials used for access.

Featured Comparisons

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Fate vs. Destiny

Fate vs. Destiny

Coyote vs. Jackal

Coyote vs. Jackal