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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Proper Noun and Common Noun?

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The difference between a proper noun and a common noun lies in the type of thing they refer to and their capitalization. Here are the key differences:

  • Proper Nouns: These refer to specific, named things, such as people, places, or things. Examples include "Chicago," "Mt. Kilimanjaro," and "Apple" (referring to the computer company). Proper nouns are always capitalized, regardless of their position in a sentence.
  • Common Nouns: These refer to general, non-specific things, such as people, places, or things. Examples include "city," "mountain," and "fruit." Common nouns are only capitalized at the beginning of sentences.

In summary, proper nouns refer to specific, named entities and are always capitalized, while common nouns refer to general, non-specific entities and are only capitalized at the beginning of sentences.

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  • What is the Difference Between Proper Noun and Common Noun?
  • Comparative Table: Proper Noun vs Common Noun

    • Comparative Table: Proper Noun vs Common Noun

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between proper nouns and common nouns:

    Feature Proper Nouns Common Nouns
    Definition Specific names or titles for people, places, or things, e.g., "Bob," "New York," "Apple". General or generic names for people, places, or things, e.g., "boy," "city," "device".
    Structure Always start with a capital letter, even in the middle of a sentence. Generally do not start with a capital letter, unless at the beginning of a sentence.
    Specificity Refer to specific, unique, or named things, places, or people. Refer to general, unspecified, or generic things, places, or people.
    Examples - "Chicago"
    - "Mount Kilimanjaro"
    - "Khan Academy".    		 - "river"
    - "mountain"
    - "apple".

    In summary, proper nouns refer to specific, named things, places, or people and always start with a capital letter. Common nouns refer to general, unspecified, or generic things, places, or people and do not start with a capital letter unless at the beginning of a sentence.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.