

Examples of buildings include The White House, The Art Institute of Chicago, and Memorial Hall at Harvard University. The most straightforward way of understanding the relationship between common and proper nouns is to think about proper nouns as specific examples of common nouns.įor example, the word building is a common noun. What is the relationship between common and proper nouns?Ĭommon and proper nouns are closely related. You are better able to visualize this scenario if proper nouns are provided since they are more specific and unique. Let’s consider the same example from above, but instead, now we will be more specific about the resources necessary to complete your homework.Īs you work, you may be using a Pearson Algebra 1 textbook, a Google Chromebook, and a Ticonderoga pencil. This is true whether they begin a sentence or not. Unlike common nouns, proper nouns are almost always capitalized. What is a proper noun?Ī proper noun is a specific, unique person, place, thing, or idea. All of these are generic items that we encounter on a regular basis and are common nouns.

You might be using a computer, a textbook, or a pencil. Usually, common nouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence.įor example, as you work on your homework, think about the things you are using. The Basics of Common and Proper Nouns What is a common noun?Ī common noun is the general, non-specific term for a person, place, thing, or idea.

