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  • What Is a Common Noun? | Definition & Examples

What Is a Common Noun? | Definition & Examples

Published on August 22, 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on February 28, 2023.

A common noun is a noun that describes a type of person, thing, or place or that names a concept. Common nouns are not capitalized unless they appear at the start of a sentence, unlike proper nouns , which are always capitalized.

Common nouns include the names of different jobs, plants and animals, geographical features, ideas, objects, and many other things. They can be concrete nouns or abstract nouns .

Inequality is a major problem in many societies .

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Table of contents

Common nouns vs. proper nouns, common nouns that can become proper nouns, academic concepts are usually common nouns, other interesting language articles, frequently asked questions about common nouns.

Common nouns are defined by contrast with proper nouns. That means that all nouns are either common or proper (though the same noun can be both, in different contexts).

What Is a Proper Noun?

  • Common nouns are general: they usually name classes of things, people, and places rather than specific things, people, and places. They are only capitalized at the start of a sentence, and they can be modified by articles , determiners , and adjectives .
  • Proper nouns are the names of specific individuals, things, places, companies, etc. They are always capitalized and typically not modified by articles, determiners, or adjectives.

Bill Gates is the co-founder of Microsoft .

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Common nouns can often become proper (i.e., gain capitalization) when they are used as a name, or as part of a name.

For example, nouns designating family roles, such as “dad,” are common in most cases. But when they’re used directly as a name, without any articles or other determiners, they become proper and gain capitalization.

In a similar way, nouns that act as titles (e.g., “president,” “archbishop,” “professor”) are capitalized only when they’re used as part of the name of someone holding that title.

The cardinal directions (north, east, south, west) are common nouns in most cases. But they become proper when used with a cultural or political meaning or in the name of a specific location.

There is no longer a country called East Germany.

Countries categorized as part of the Global South are often still in the process of industrializing. Note Common nouns representing important concepts are sometimes capitalized in a literary context to emphasize their importance (e.g., “Nature,” “Truth”).

One common mistake is to assume that concepts, theories, models, and frameworks are proper nouns, and therefore capitalize them. In fact, they are usually common nouns, although they may include proper nouns (or proper adjectives), which should be capitalized.

The Akaike information criterion evaluates how well a model fits the data it was generated from.

A revolution in scientific thought was initiated by Einstein’s theory of relativity .

If you want to know more about nouns , pronouns , verbs , and other parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations and examples.

Nouns & pronouns

  • Proper nouns
  • Types of nouns
  • Collective nouns
  • Personal pronouns
  • Uncountable and countable nouns
  • Verb tenses
  • Phrasal verbs
  • Types of verbs
  • Active vs passive voice
  • Subject-verb agreement
  • Interjections
  • Determiners
  • Prepositions

Common nouns are words for types of things, people, and places, such as “dog,” “professor,” and “city.” They are not capitalized and are typically used in combination with articles and other determiners.

Proper nouns are words for specific things, people, and places, such as “Max,” “Dr. Prakash,” and “London.” They are always capitalized and usually aren’t combined with articles and other determiners.

The names of seasons (e.g., “spring”) are treated as common nouns in English and therefore not capitalized . People often assume they are proper nouns, but this is an error.

The names of days and months, however, are capitalized since they’re treated as proper nouns in English (e.g., “Wednesday,” “January”).

No, as a general rule, academic concepts, disciplines, theories, models, etc. are treated as common nouns , not proper nouns , and therefore not capitalized . For example, “five-factor model of personality” or “analytic philosophy.”

However, proper nouns that appear within the name of an academic concept (such as the name of the inventor) are capitalized as usual. For example, “Darwin’s theory of evolution” or “ Student’s t table .”

Sources in this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Caulfield, J. (2023, February 28). What Is a Common Noun? | Definition & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/nouns-and-pronouns/common-nouns/
Aarts, B. (2011).  Oxford modern English grammar . Oxford University Press.
Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015).  Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage  (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Garner, B. A. (2016).  Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

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Jack Caulfield

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Common Nouns: Definition, Meaning and Examples

Jennifer Jahn

Jennifer Jahn

what are common nouns and when to use them

A common noun is a noun that may refer to a general or specific class or entity and can be used with limiting modifiers such as a , an , my , every , and some . A common noun is always written in lowercase.

The English language is full of confusing rules and exceptions to those rules so let’s scale it back for a moment to make this easier to understand.

What is a Noun?

What is a common noun, what is a proper noun, common nouns vs. proper nouns, why do we need common nouns, common mistakes with common nouns, test yourself, a quick common noun recap.

The noun—one of the most essential elements of the English language—makes up the largest class of words in this and most other languages as well. It can refer to a thing, a person, an animal, a place, a quality, an idea, or an action.

Image showing categories of nouns

A noun is usually a single word (for example, book ) but that's not always the case. Bathtub , fish cake , and swimming pool are also nouns. Specifically, they are compound nouns —they are made up of two or more nouns to form an altogether new one.

A common noun is just like a regular noun—it's still a person, place, thing, etc. But in this case it refers to a generic class of beings, places, or things. Generic here simply means that we don’t have any specific information on the precise nature of our noun.

Image showing definition of common noun with words "a common noun is a generic class of beings, places, or things

So, for example, the following are all common nouns : city , child , and book . If we used common nouns in a sentence, it would read something like this:

  • The child went into the city to buy a book .

We have a complete sentence here with a subject (noun) performing an action (verb). But we don’t actually have a lot of detail. Who is the child? What city is she going to? Which book does she buy? This is where our proper nouns come in.

Here are 20 examples of common nouns:

Unlike common nouns, proper nouns are a particular person, place, or thing. Proper nouns do not take a limiting modifier (a, an, every, some) and are usually capitalized.

Image showing example of proper nouns

Remember our sample sentence from above? We didn’t get a lot of specifics with it.

Now, examine the following sentence:

  • Madeline went into New York City to buy a copy of Where the Wild Things Are .

In essence, we did not change the structure of the sentence. We simply replaced all of the common nouns with proper nouns. And there you have it, we now have specific details that give us a better picture of the action.

Also, note that all the proper nouns are capitalized while none of the common nouns were.

Image showing  that proper nouns are always capitalized

While common nouns provide us with general classifications only, proper nouns provide precise details. Each common noun will always have a counterpart, as we’ve just seen in the most recent example.

Child , city , and book were replaced with their specific proper nouns of Madeline , New York City , and Where the Wild Things Are .

So, to repeat, proper nouns can always be linked to a more generic common noun .

However, not all common nouns will necessarily have a proper noun to go with them (think of toe, hair, dust, dirt, etc.).

Image showing comparison of common nouns versus proper nouns

The main reason for distinguishing between common nouns and proper nouns is to help with classification and capitalization.

While proper nouns are almost always capitalized, common nouns never are.

While proper nouns indicate a specific class or entity, common nouns provide a generic designation.

How to Spot a Common Noun

As pointed out at the start of this article, an easy way to spot common nouns is by working out whether we can use any limiting modifiers with them, such as a , an , my , every , or some and making sure it’s lowercase. For example:

  • Paul threw his book against the wall.
  • Paul threw Hamlet against the wall.

In the first example, his can be replaced with a and the sentence still reads correctly, so "book" is a common noun .

In the second example, Hamlet is both capitalized and cannot be replaced by any of the modifiers (there's only the one Hamlet after all), so we know that this is a proper noun.

Image showing the limiting modifiers for common nouns

How to Spot a Proper Noun

Now this is relatively easy because proper nouns are almost always capitalized. For most of us it’s already second nature to capitalize names of companies, people, languages, countries, etc.

I say almost because, true to its tricky nature, English will always have an exception to confuse you. Sometimes you will find that certain proper nouns can be written in lowercase, such as mars (the planet, not the chocolate bar).

Technically, it is a specific planet—i.e. a proper noun—and should therefore be capitalized. But as its use is so ubiquitous in the English language, the lowercase spelling has become widely accepted.

Another example of this is champagne (the drink, not the region). Because it’s now such a familiar designation for most sparkling white wines, it is commonly accepted as lowercase.

In these instances it is often down to a particular house-style whether a specific proper noun needs to be capitalized or not. So check your style-guide before making a judgment call.

Common nouns are used no differently in writing and speech than any other type of noun. They take the same grammatical positions and can thus be used as subjects and direct or indirect objects .

Take a look at these examples:

  • The book fell on the floor.

Book is the common noun used as the subject of the sentence.

  • Paula threw the book at the wall.

Book is the common noun used as the direct object of the sentence.

  • Paula spilled some water on her book .

Book is the common noun used as the indirect object of the sentence.

Using different types of nouns can help keep our writing varied, fresh, and more precise. Sometimes we want to be more specific, sometimes a little less.

Do you want to paint a vivid, precise picture for your readers? Use a proper noun. Are you interested in setting a more general scene without getting lost in details? Then perhaps a common noun is more appropriate.

The more types of nouns we use in our writing, the more engaging and interesting our text becomes.

A common mistake made when using common nouns is to capitalize them, especially when it comes to titles and professions. Words such as president, chancellor, or queen sound important, so people tend to capitalize them incorrectly.

Image showing that common nouns are lowercase

A simple way of avoiding that mistake is to look carefully at your noun. Is it specific? Is it talking about one particular person, thing, place, etc.? If not, then keep it lowercase.

Let’s look at some examples:

  • The president of the United States is the head of state.

We are not talking about a specific president, such as Joe Biden, so “president”, despite its gravitas, remains lowercase.

If we wanted to capitalize the word “president”, we’d have to turn it into a proper noun. To do so, all we have to do is attach it to the name of the president. So, for example:

  • The current head of state is President Joe Biden.

Let’s look at one more example to let it sink in.

  • The queen is currently residing in her summer palace .

Again, we have no specifics as to which queen we are talking about or where she might be staying. These are generic terms only, so we have to keep them lowercase. If we wanted to capitalize them, we’d have to turn them into proper nouns. For example:

  • Queen Elizabeth II is currently residing at Balmoral Castle .

Now we have specifics—we know which queen we’re talking about and the name of the specific castle.

If you find yourself using the same common nouns throughout your writing, the ProWritingAid Thesaurus check is a great tool to help you find the perfect words. Sign up for a free ProWriting Aid account today and see for yourself.

Screenshot of ProWritingAid's Thesaurus

Now it's time to practice what you've learned. Let’s look at the examples below. Highlight all instances of common nouns and underline the proper nouns.

There’s nothing I’d rather do than sit here and look at the stars with you.

Google is a company renowned for its work-culture.

Pandora’s Box is a well-known myth.

The Cherokee are one of the indigenous people of the United States of America.

The Ford Model T was one of the first affordable cars.

Test Answers

  • Stars is a generic term used for the astronomical objects we can see in the night sky. It does not refer to a specific star, for example Vega, or a star-formation, such as Orion’s Belt.
  • Google is the name of the company we’re talking about here, so we have both the common noun with its proper noun equivalent. (Work-culture is a compound noun, if you want to get nit-picky here.)

Pandora’s Box is a well-known myth .

  • There are many myths in Greek mythology, but only one story about Pandora.
  • There are many indigenous people in the USA, so this is a generic term, while the Cherokee are one particular tribe of note.

The Ford Model T was one of the first affordable cars .

  • I bet you’re getting the hang of these now, right? Cars is the generic term for automobiles, while the Ford Model T speaks of one particular model and make.

Common nouns are generic (think non-specific) people, places, things, ideas, animals, actions, or qualities. Use them to create a general scene without going into details.

They're always lowercase and function just like any other type of noun in your writing.

If you’re unsure whether you’re looking at a common noun , check its capitalization and try using it with a limiting modifier. If it’s general, lowercase, and you can use one of those modifiers, chances are you’re looking at a common noun .

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Jennifer has always been a lover of languages and words. She’s bilingual in English and German and fluent in French. She has degrees in Journalism and French and a PhD in literature. When she’s not editing or writing for a living, she’s reading and reviewing books for fun ([@jens.book.nook](https://www.instagram.com/jens.book.nook/)).

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Common and Proper Nouns: Definition, Examples, & Exercises

  • The Albert Team
  • Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

common noun essay

Do you get confused about the difference between a common noun and a proper noun? Would practice help you become a master? 

Read on to learn about the difference between common and proper nouns, how they are used, and when to use them. 

When you feel like you’ve got it, test yourself with a quiz and practice with our high-quality, standards-aligned questions here . 

What We Review

The Basics of Common and Proper Nouns

The Basics of Common and Proper Nouns

What is a common noun?

A common noun is the general, non-specific term for a person, place, thing, or idea. Usually, common nouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence. 

For example, as you work on your homework, think about the things you are using. You might be using a computer, a textbook, or a pencil. All of these are generic items that we encounter on a regular basis and are common nouns . 

What is a proper noun?

A proper noun is a specific, unique person, place, thing, or idea. Unlike common nouns, proper nouns are almost always capitalized . This is true whether they begin a sentence or not. 

Let’s consider the same example from above, but instead, now we will be more specific about the resources necessary to complete your homework. 

As you work, you may be using a Pearson Algebra 1 textbook, a Google Chromebook, and a Ticonderoga pencil. You are better able to visualize this scenario if proper nouns are provided since they are more specific and unique. 

What is the relationship between common and proper nouns? 

Common and proper nouns are closely related. 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. 

For example, the word building is a common noun. Examples of buildings include The White House, The Art Institute of Chicago, and Memorial Hall at Harvard University. 

These examples are all proper nouns since they are specific, unique examples of the common noun building . Generally, we can more vividly picture or understand a text when the author uses examples of proper nouns since there is less room for interpretation. 

How do you use common and proper nouns? 

Common and proper nouns can be used in relation to each other or separately. Typically, authors use common nouns when they are describing something broad or ambiguous. 

Proper nouns are used to describe a person, place, thing, or idea that is specific and concrete. Common and proper nouns are often used together in sentences. 

Take the following sentence as an example: The doctor worked long hours at Memorial Hospital to help contain the spread of the common cold. 

In this sentence, we see examples of common nouns, such as doctor, hours, and common cold. Additionally, the sentence has an example of a proper noun– Memorial Hospital. 

If the sentence were not to name the hospital specifically, then it would have remained a common noun (hospital). 

Return to the top

3 Tips for Understanding Common vs. Proper Nouns

Here are some important tips to help you determine the difference between common and proper nouns:

Tips for understanding common vs. proper nouns

Tip #1: If it’s a noun and it’s capitalized, then it’s probably a proper noun . 

  • For example, book is a generic common noun. 
  • The Scarlet Letter is a specific book and, as a result, is a proper noun. 
  • For example, Lampshades come in many different colors, varieties, and shapes . Even though lampshades is capitalized in this sentence, it is not a specific brand or size of lampshade. 
  • Lampshade is capitalized because it begins the sentence, not because it is a proper noun. 

Tip #2: Make sure it’s a noun. 

  • Do not rely solely on the capitalization of words to determine whether or not the word (or words) in question is a common or proper noun. 
  • For example, consider the following sentence: It can be difficult for young people to read complicated, Shakespearian language. At first glance, you may quickly classify Shakespearian as a proper noun. Upon further inspection, however, Shakespearian merely describes the common noun language . 
  • Therefore, in this instance, Shakespearian is NOT a proper noun even though it is capitalized. Instead, it is a proper adjective. 

Tip #3: When writing, ask yourself, “what message am I trying to communicate?”

  • If you are using common and proper nouns in your own writing, it is important to consider what it is that you want the reader to take away from your writing. 
  • If you are trying to paint a clear, vivid picture for the reader, then it is important to use more proper nouns. 
  • However, if you are attempting to create a more general, vague scene, then using more common nouns is appropriate. 

Remember, if you are trying to figure out whether a word is a common or proper noun, ask yourself if the word in question is a noun and whether or not it’s capitalized. 

If you are writing, ask yourself what message you are trying to communicate before using common or proper nouns. 

Applying the Basics: Common and Proper Noun Review & Practice

Now that you understand what common and proper nouns are, let’s review how and when to use them, and how to tell them apart! Remember, every proper noun has a common noun counterpart, but not every common noun has a related proper noun. 

The Ultimate List of Common and Proper Nouns

Refer to the graphic below for an extensive list of example common and proper nouns:

Ultimate List of Common and Proper Nouns

This list, obviously, does not include all common and proper nouns and is meant to be used as a guide while identifying other nouns. 

Common Noun Exercises & Review

Now that you know the difference between common and proper nouns, test your ability to accurately identify common nouns. 

Common Noun Exercises & Review

Select the common noun(s) in the sentences below. Remember, these are generic items that we encounter on a regular basis. They are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence.

1. You’ve probably used Google Earth to look at the roof of your own house.

  • In this sentence, roof and house are both common nouns because they are not specific names or titles. They are just general, making them common nouns.

2. In New York City, for example, subways chug along 500 miles of underground track. 

  • In this sentence , example, subways, miles, and track are common nouns because they are not specific names or titles. They are just general, making them common nouns.

3. Some people argue that the government should control what goes on underground, and private companies should not be able to profit from the land beneath your house.

  • In this sentence , people, government, underground, companies, land , and house are all common nouns because they are not specific names or titles. They are just general, making them common nouns.

4. How would you feel about a public road going under your porch?

  • In this sentence, road and porch are common nouns because they are not specific names or titles. They are just general, making them common nouns.

5. The way we answer these questions will help determine how our society grows and changes in the future.  

  • In this sentence, way, questions, society , and future are all common nouns because they are not specific names or titles. They are just general, making them common nouns.

Pro tip : When evaluating whether a noun is common, ask yourself, “Is it general, and is it in lower case?”

Proper Noun Exercises & Review

Complete the quick exercise below to assess your mastery of proper nouns. 

Proper Noun Exercises & Review

Select the proper noun(s) in the sentences below. Remember, a proper noun is a specific, unique person, place, thing, or idea. Unlike common nouns, proper nouns are almost always capitalized . This is true whether they begin a sentence or not. 

1. In 1890, long before your great-grandparents were born, the U.S. Congress established Yosemite National Park.

In this sentence, U.S Congress and Yosemite National Park are proper nouns because they are specific names or titles. When a noun is specific like this, it is proper and must be capitalized.

2. Before becoming a national park, the Yosemite area was home to the Ahwahneechee and Miwok people for many generations.

In this sentence, Yosemite, Ahwahneechee, and Miwok are proper nouns because they are specific names or titles. When a noun is specific like this, it is proper and must be capitalized.

3. Disney’s “Pocahontas” has a similar happy tone, but the actual life of Pocahontas was more interesting than what we saw on screen.

In this sentence, Disney’s and Pocahontas are proper nouns because they are specific names or titles. When a noun is specific like this, it is proper and must be capitalized.

4. Pocahontas was born around 1595 in modern-day Virginia.

In this sentence, Pocahontas and Virginia are proper nouns because they are specific names or titles. When a noun is specific like this, it is proper and must be capitalized.

5. Heralded as an example of the possibilities in the “New World”, Pocahontas and John Rolfe traveled to England with their son in 1616.

In this sentence, New World, Pocahontas, John Rolfe, and England are all proper nouns because they are specific names or titles. When a noun is specific like this, it is proper and must be capitalized.

Pro tip : When evaluating whether a noun is proper, ask yourself, “Is it specific, and is it capitalized?”

For additional practice, check out Common and Proper Nouns content on Albert.

Try for Yourself: Common and Proper Nouns Quiz

Common and Proper Nouns Quiz

Feeling confident in your understanding of common and proper nouns? 

Take this short six-question quiz to see what you’ve learned:

1. Is a common noun general or specific?

  • Answer: General
  • Correct Explanation: That’s right! A common noun is the general, non-specific term for a person, place, thing, or idea. Usually, common nouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence. 
  • Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right! Remember, a common noun is the general, non-specific term for a person, place, thing, or idea. Usually, common nouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence. 

2. Is a proper noun general or specific?

  • Answer: Specific
  • Correct Explanation: That’s right! A proper noun is a specific, unique person, place, thing, or idea. Unlike common nouns, proper nouns are almost always capitalized .
  • Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right! Remember, a proper noun is a specific, unique person, place, thing, or idea. Unlike common nouns, proper nouns are almost always capitalized .

3. In this sentence, are the underlined words common or proper nouns ?

Adolescent brains are constantly rewiring and retraining to prune skills that are not being used to make room for the skills being used often. 

  • Answer: Common
  • Correct Explanation: That’s right! A common noun is the general, non-specific term for a person, place, thing, or idea. Usually, common nouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence. Brains, skills, room, and skills are not capitalized in this example.

4. In this sentence, are the underlined words common or proper nouns ?

We enter our REM stage within the first 90 minutes of sleep and repeat this cycle several times throughout the night.

  • Correct Explanation: That’s right! A common noun is the general, non-specific term for a person, place, thing, or idea. Usually, common nouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence. In this example, stage, sleep, repeat, times, and night are all general common nouns.

5. In this sentence, are the underlined words common or proper nouns ?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, plastic litter is of the greatest concern as it has the most widespread and harmful impacts on animal populations.

  • Answer: Proper
  • Correct Explanation: That’s right! A proper noun is a specific, unique person, place, thing, or idea. Unlike common nouns, proper nouns are almost always capitalized . In this example, the Environmental Protection Agency refers to a specific government entity.

6. In this sentence, are the underlined words common or proper nouns ?

What does NASA’s space program cost each of the 328 million people that currently live in the USA?

  • Correct Explanation: That’s right! A proper noun is a specific, unique person, place, thing, or idea. Unlike common nouns, proper nouns are almost always capitalized . In this example, NASA and USA refer to a specific organization and nation.

For additional practice with common and proper nouns, check out our practice on Albert.io: Common and Proper Nouns .

Teacher’s Corner

While it’s true that common and proper nouns are a foundational grammar skill, the Common Core English Language Progressive Skills Chart shows that even elementary-level skills “require continued attention in higher grades as they are applied to increasingly sophisticated writing and speaking.” 

For specific standards addressing common and proper nouns, check out the Common Core State Standards site! 

Albert’s common and proper nouns practice can be used for much more than homework! Our assessments can be used as pre-and post-tests to measure student progress. Our pre-made quizzes can be used as bell-ringers, exit tickets, and more! 

In addition to our pre-made assessments, you can also use our assignments feature to create your own quizzes and assessments.

Summary on Common and Proper Nouns

Common nouns are general, non-specific people, places, things, or ideas. 

Proper nouns are specific, concrete people, places, things, and ideas.

In writing, proper nouns generally provide the reader with a more clear, tangible image of what the author describes. 

Common and proper nouns can be used in tandem with one another or separately. Be sure to check out our grammar course for more common and proper noun practice. 

You can also access over 3,400 high-quality questions that address nearly every grammatical concept. 

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Nouns: What’s in a Name?

With a name that means, literally, ‘to name’, it’s pretty impossible to imagine the English language—or any language—without the noun. But while we use them constantly to provide clarity and identify the things that we’re talking or writing about, this hugely essential word type still has some surprises up its sleeve. This guide should give you a deeper understanding of this seemingly simple element of language, and allow you to use them correctly in your work. You can also check out this  useful reference  to consolidate your learning. If you’re currently working on a paper and would find a quick and easy grammar check useful, upload your essay for free at EasyBib.com. You can also use our fantastic citation tool to help cite your sources using popular styles such as MLA and  APA format .

Guide Overview

  • What is a noun?
  • Controversy and crossover
  • Where the magic happens
  • Phrase or clause?
  • Types of nouns list
  • Can you count it?
  • Good and proper
  • Getting possessive
  • A blessing of unicorns
  • Friendly compounds
  • The pronoun takeover
  • Grammar help is here!

What is a Noun?

At first glance, the noun definition is fairly straightforward—they’re naming words used to refer to a person, place, thing or idea. They’re arguably the most important element of any sentence, as they’ll usually be its subject. They can also be the direct object of a sentence. Or the indirect object. Or the object of the  preposition . And they can do much more besides that. So you get the idea that we’d find it very difficult to communicate without these superstars of the grammar world!

Controversy and Crossover

As they’re so important, the question ‘what is a noun?’ has been debated and discussed at length by linguists and grammar experts, often sparking some disagreement about the definition. Some feel that to define them as “naming words” is far too simplistic, as they’re also used to reference abstract and intangible concepts, feelings and activities such as  birth, sport, joy, cookery  and  technology . There’s also huge crossover with other elements of language. For example: Rain

  • Verb — to rain
  • Name of weather type — rain
  • Adjective — red
  • Name of color — red
  • As an  adverb  — angrily
  • As an adjective — angry
  • Name of a feeling — anger

Because this single word type encompasses so many different things, some linguists feel that the definition should be narrowed. However, for now, we’re happy to stick with the generalization that it’s a naming word. For more on the various definitions of different parts of the English language, check out this  useful link .

Where the Magic Happens

Although it can lead to confusion, the fact the noun is multi-functional is part of its charm. Let’s take a look at some of the jobs that these hard-working words can perform in a sentence. Subject:  the subject of the sentence, i.e., someone or something performing the action of the  verb .

  • Example:  Harry  is angry.

Direct object:  the direct object of the sentence, i.e., someone or something who receives the action of the verb.

  • Example: Ashley baked  Noah  a cake.

Object of the preposition:  the object of the prepositional phrase.

  • Example: Ashley baked a cake on  Sunday .

Subject complement:  follows a linking verb.

  • Example: Ashley is a  teacher .

Object complement:  follows a direct object to rename or modify it.

  • Example: She named her dog  Benji .

Appositive:  immediately follows another to add more information.

  • Example: Her dog,  Benji , is black.

Modifier:  acts as an  adjective  to modify another noun.

  • Example: A  black  dog.

Phrase or Clause?

In addition to your run of the mill single naming words, you can also use a noun clause or phrase to name or identify a person, object, thing, place or idea. A phrase has a naming word as its head word but may also include other kinds of words. For example:

  • Head word  — car/cars
  • Determiner  — My car
  • Determiner and adjective  — My red car
  • Quantifier  — Some cars
  • Quantifier and adjective  — Some red cars
  • In a sentence  —  My red car  is very old. ( My red car  is the phrase that identifies which car we are talking about.)

Caution! Don’t confuse a phrase with a compound, i.e., two or more words together to create a stand-alone common or proper noun with a meaning of its own (more on compounds later!). A clause is a dependent clause (doesn’t make sense alone) that performs the naming function in a sentence. It usually contains a subject and a verb, but may not necessarily contain a naming word. For example:

This weekend we can do  whatever you want .

Types of Nouns List

There are multiple types of naming words to get a grip on, and plenty of crossovers between categories too—just to keep things interesting! For example:

  • You can have a mass, abstract, common name.
  • Or a singular, concrete, proper, compound, or possessive name (phew!).

Don’t worry! This should become clearer as we work through the different categories in turn. If you’d like to do some more in-depth reading on the subject, you can  find more info  online.

Singular or Plural

You can have singular or plural nouns, with regulars keeping things nice and simple with the addition of  s  or  es .

  • Car — cars
  • Book – books
  • Zoo — zoos
  • Box — boxes
  • Dish — dishes
  • Hero — heroes

However, there are lots of rule-breaking irregulars thrown into the mix to complicate matters.

  • Man — men
  • Person — people
  • Sheep — sheep
  • Elf — elves
  • Fish — fish
  • City — cities

Concrete vs Abstract

As noted earlier, these debate-sparking naming words can be difficult things to define. So it can help to think of them as either concrete or abstract. Concrete nouns are the simpler of the two. They’re tangible things that can be detected by the senses. For example:

  • You can touch, see and smell a  flower .
  • You can hold a  pencil .
  • You can see your friend  Emily .

Abstract nouns are far trickier to pin down—both literally and metaphorically speaking!

  • You can’t hold  anger  or  space  or  childhood .

However, some people might argue that you can identify some abstracts with your senses. For example:

  • You can see an expression of  anger .
  • You can sense  fresh air .

So it might be more helpful to think of them as something that you can’t physically hold, i.e., concepts, ideas, experiences, qualities and feelings.

Can You Count It?

Naming words can either be  count  or  noncount . Count type doesn’t tend to give you much trouble—they’re, as the name suggests, something that can be counted. Noncount type (also known as mass nouns), however, are a whole different ball game! These rebellious words are definitely the evil twin of the two, as they defy several of the usual rules of grammar and, if you’re not careful, can cause chaos and confusion. Count:  something that can be counted, e.g.,  books, people, cars. Simple! Noncount (Mass):  something that can’t be counted (often because it’s an abstract concept), e.g.,  air, red, peace.  Or an aggregation of people or things that are lumped together as a whole, like  luggage, information,  or  salt. Not quite so simple! Caution! Be careful not to confuse noncounts with collectives, words which are used to name a collection of people or things (e.g.,  group, herd, bundle ). An easy way to test whether a word is noncount or collective is:

  • Noncounts don’t follow indefinite articles ( a  and  an ).
  • Noncounts don’t  usually  have a plural form.

For example, you don’t have  a luggage  or  luggages .

An Awkward Bunch

Despite the fact that they often represent an aggregation of people or things, noncounts can be a rather anti-social and awkward word type! They like to stand alone, without an indefinite article:

Music  can help you relax.

Not ‘ a music  can help you relax.’

I sprinkled  salt  on my food.

Not ‘I sprinkled  a salt  on my food.’ However, they can sit nicely with a  determiner  or quantifier instead.

  • Determiner  —  The music  was loud.
  • Quantifier  — I sprinkled  some salt  on my food.

In fact, some quantifiers only work with noncounts. For example:

  • A little  salt
  • Not much  information
  • A bit of  music

However, we would never say:

  • A little  books
  • Not much  cars
  • A bit of  flowers

The Singular or Plural Conundrum

Another quirk of the noncount is that, even when it represents an aggregation or group of things, it can still count as singular for grammatical purposes. For example:

The  luggage  is  heavy.  It  filled the trunk of the car. This  information  is  useful.  It  has helped me with my paper.

Even if a noncount appears to take a plural form with an  s  on the end, don’t be fooled! It may still be classed as grammatically singular. For example:

Politics  is a  difficult  subject  to study. I find  it  hard to grasp. The  news  is  on at 10 pm.  It’s  on for an hour.

On the flip side, some noncounts are grammatically plural. For example:

My  clothes  are  wet. The  scissors  are  sharp. His  manners  were  fantastic.

However, these go against the grain of plurals by not mixing well with numbers—we never say five clothes or six scissors!

Enumerating a Noncount

These awkward noncounts on the whole don’t mix well with numbers, although there are sneaky tactics that you can sometimes employ to enumerate them. These include:

  • Grammatically plural  — if concrete, add  a pair of , e.g., a pair of  scissors .
  • Grammatically singular  — if concrete, add  a piece of , e.g., a piece of  cutlery .
  • Singular and plural  — both concrete and abstract noncounts can be enumerated by adding an indefinite adjective (quantifier), e.g.,  any, some, less, much .

For example:

  • Pass me  some  cutlery .
  • I don’t have  any  scissors .
  • It contains  more  information .

Fewer vs Less

A quick note on fewer versus less as these are indefinite adjectives (quantifiers) that often trip people up!

  • Fewer  — used for count type, e.g., I have  fewer   books  than Sarah.
  • Less  — used for non-count type, e.g., I have  less   money  than Sarah.

Good and Proper

A proper noun is used to name very specific people, places, things and ideas. As their ‘proper’ title suggests, they’re formal names and, as such, deserve capitalization. Examples include:

  • People  —  Sarah, Jack, Mrs. Smith, Prince George, Father Brown, Beethoven
  • Specific places  —  America, Europe, Paris, George Street, Roman Empire, Times Square
  • Natural and man-made landmarks  —  River Nile, Central Park, Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building, Mount Etna
  • Religions and related words  —  Christianity, The Bible, God, Allah, Buddhism
  • Races and nationalities  —  African American, Russian, White, Eskimo, Japanese
  • Languages  —  French, Spanish, Chinese, English
  • Periods in history  —  Stone Age, Middle Ages
  • Events  —  Olympic Games, Coachella, Wimbledon, Rio Carnaval, Oktoberfest
  • Days, months and holidays  —  Sunday, Friday, June, October, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day  (note that the seasons are, somewhat contentiously, classed as common)
  • Organizations, charities and businesses  —  New York Police Department (NYPD), Harvard University, Microsoft, Red Cross, Walmart, Forbes
  • Product brand names  —  Tresemme, Adidas, Apple, Coca-Cola
  • Well-known documents and acts  —  Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Magna Carta, Slavery Abolition Act 1833
  • Names of specific things and works  —  Hope Diamond, Mona Lisa, Symphony No. 5, Star Wars, War and Peace
  • Titles of publications and courses  —  The Washington Post, Introduction to Computer Science
  • They can be singular  —  Sally, Australia, Picasso, iPad
  • Or plural  —  the Smiths, the Rockies, the Americas, two iPads

From Proper to Common

Sometimes, they bend the rules to put themselves into a ‘common’ context. For example:

I made a mistake of  Titanic  proportions.

This is taken to mean a big mistake and isn’t literally referencing the Titanic ship.

I’m an  Einstein  when it comes to science.

Here Einstein is taken to mean a person who is smart, rather than referencing the man himself specifically. Similarly, over time, some have developed common ‘spin-off’ words. For example:

  • Famous porcelain from   China  — a china cup (note, not a China cup)
  • Coca-Cola  — coke (to describe a generic cola drink, not necessarily the Coca-Cola brand)

The Humble Common Noun

Common nouns  give a name to a general type of person, thing, object, place, concept or feeling. They’re not ‘formal’ names and, as such, they don’t demand capitalization. Examples include:

  • People  —  man, woman, girl, boy, vicar, teacher, children
  • Places  —  city, beach, library, street, garden
  • Things  —  tiger, leg, sleep, beard
  • Objects  —  watch, cake, shoe, ball
  • Concepts  —  peace, justice, talent, religion
  • Feelings  —  anger, joy, love, envy

In many cases, both a common and proper noun can be applied to the same thing. For example:

  • A  Baby Ruth  (proper) is a  chocolate bar  (common).
  • Rihanna  (proper) is a popular  singer  (common) in the US.
  • Mrs. Smith  (proper) is a  teacher  (common).
  • Benji  (proper) is a  dog  (common).
  • The  Nile  (proper) is a  river  (common).

Of course, you can define proper noun words as having a far narrower application as they can only apply to one very specific thing. Common noun examples have a much wider application—hence their label as ‘common’! For example:

There are thousands of  singers  (common) in the world, but there’s only one  Taylor Swift (proper).

When a Commoner Becomes Proper

Occasionally, a commoner can move up the ranks to become proper—gaining that all-important capitalization along the way. This usually happens when a word becomes synonymous over time with a very specific type of thing. For example, a  parka jacket  depicts a type of long, all-weather coat. But you could argue that the term  Parka  is so synonymous with a very specific type of jacket that it should be classed as proper. This is definitely one for the grammar experts to slog out between themselves!

Getting Possessive

Possessive nouns are usually followed by another naming word, indicating that the second thing ‘belongs’ to the first. There are different ways to indicate this possession, depending on the word in question. These can become confusing, so let’s look at them in turn. Singular possessives  are usually indicated with ‘s. For example:

  • the  girl’s  coat
  • Emma’s  car
  • the  city’s  main landmark

As are  plural possessives  that don’t end in  s . For example:

  • the  men’s  bathroom
  • children’s  toys

In the case of a  plural possessive  that ends in  s , you simply need to add an  apostrophe (‘). For example:

  • the  girls’  coats
  • the  Smiths’  house
  • the  tigers’  pen
  • the  computers’  manufacturer

When we come to  singular possessives  that end in  s , the waters get a little bit muddier. The most popular method used to form a singular possessive is to add  ‘s , as detailed above. For example:

  • James’s  book
  • the  bus’s  engine

However, just adding the  apostrophe  is also commonly accepted. For example:

  • James’  book
  • the  bus’  engine

The Importance of the Apostrophe

You’ll notice that subtle differences in your sentence structure can completely alter its meaning, so it’s important to get your grammar on point. For example:

  • the girl’s coat  — belonging to one particular girl
  • the girls’ coat  — a coat designed to be worn by a girl
  • the girl’s coats  — more than one coat belonging to one particular girl)
  • the girls’ coats  — a group of coats belonging to a group of girls

If you find yourself struggling to figure out where the apostrophe needs to go, why not run a free grammar check on your essay with EasyBib Plus? You can also use EasyBib.com to help cite the sources that you use when conducting  research  and writing your papers . The handy online tool can create citations in the popular APA and  MLA format , plus  more styles  including Chicago/Turabian. Simply find out which style of citation you need to use (ask your professor or lecturer) and let EasyBib Plus help you create them the easy way.

A Blessing of Unicorns

A collective noun is a name given to a collection or group of things. Although they represent more than one, they are usually classed as grammatically singular (in American English). For example:

  • The  pride  of lions made  its  way to water.
  • The  cast  of actors collected  its  award.
  • The  class  of students  was  dismissed early.

They can often stand-alone, if the context makes it clear what collection or group of things is being referred to. For example:

  • We followed the  herd  on safari.
  • I got the  cast  to sign my autograph book.
  • The  class  went on its field trip.

But be careful with this, as they can be used to represent very different things. For example:

  • flock  of tourists  or  flock  of birds  **  cluster  of spiders* or  cluster  of stars

So saying “I stared open-mouthed at the  cluster  before me” could have two very different meanings—you might be staring in wonder or staring in horror! Some collective nouns have developed a more general or colloquial meaning. For example, you get a  bunch  of flowers or a  bunch  of bananas. However,  bunch  is also used more generally to denote ‘several’ or ‘lots’. For example:

  • I saw a  bunch  of people that I knew.
  • Thanks a  bunch .

Kooky Collectives

Collectives are one of the quirkiest word types in the English language and include some unusual naming words. For instance, it’s difficult to imagine where the examples below came from. For example:

  • A  shiver  of sharks
  • A  quiver  of cobras
  • A  blush  of boys
  • A  disguising  of tailors
  • A  drunkship  of cobblers
  • A  worship  of writers
  • A  nest  of rumors

Friendly Compounds

Compound nouns consist of two or more words that have come together to form a new word with its own meaning. These are words that have decided they don’t want to stand-alone—they can work better together with another word! Both proper and common words can be compounded, and within these compounds are three sub-types. Proper

  • Closed  —  PlayStation, YouTube
  • Hyphenated  —  Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A
  • Open Spaced  —  New York, Ritz Carlton Hotel
  • Closed  —  football, textbook
  • Hyphenated  —  mother-in-law, well-being
  • Open Spaced  —  bus stop, swimming pool

Wal-Mart Or Walmart?

Fun fact! Some popular brands have dropped their hyphens in recent years. For example, Wal-Mart switched to Walmart in 2009. This could possibly be because hyphenated domain names can cause issues for a brand’s online presence. Brands now have a whole host of digital considerations that simply weren’t on the table when they first decided on a name.

The Pronoun Takeover

While both concrete and abstract noun words are undeniably super useful and essential parts of the English language, they can be a bit much at times. Especially when you’re referring to the same thing several times in a sentence or section. For example:

Sally  loves  Fanta .  Sally  drinks  Fanta  every day.

This is where pronouns come in handy. These often small but ever so mighty words have the power to replace names and make your sentences flow much better. For example:

Sally  loves  Fanta .  She  drinks  it  every day.

This works for both proper and common types.

  • The  Empire State Building  (proper) is very tall.  It  stands at 443m.
  • Sally  (proper) loves  chocolate  (common).  She  eats  some  every day.
  • My  dog  (common) has a red  ball  (common).  He  likes to chase  it .

The antecedent nouns give a reference point for the pronouns.

Is I a Noun or a Pronoun?

Commonly used ‘people’ pronouns include  he, she, me, his  and  hers . However, there’s some debate as to the word  I . While  I  is commonly accepted as a first person  pronoun , it may not follow the usual antecedent rule. For example, if you were Sally, you wouldn’t write:

Sally  loves Fanta.  I  drink it every day.

Instead you’d simply write:

I  love Fanta.  I  drink it every day.

I  is also classed as a naming word in the following contexts:

  • I  — the name of a letter of the alphabet.
  • I  — the subject or object of self-consciousness, i.e. the ego.

This guide should hopefully have answered lots of naming word questions for you, such as ‘what is a possessive noun?’, but if you’re still struggling you can  learn more here . The list of nouns can be difficult to remember, for the simple fact that there are so many different categories and variations of these naming words. People, objects, places, ideas and feelings are things that don’t seem to have much in common—yet they all have names, which lumps them grammatically into the same (very large!) category.

Grammar Help is Here!

If you’d like to check your grammar, EasyBib Plus can help. Simply upload your paper and let EasyBib Plus do the hard work! You can also use the EasyBib Plus  plagiarism checker  to ensure that you’ve cited your sources. We have other grammar pages besides this one, too. Check out two tricky parts of speech:  conjunction  and  interjection . Use the handy online toolkit at EasyBib Plus to check for unintentional plagiarism and grammatical errors, and feel more confident that you won’t drop unnecessary marks on avoidable mistakes.

Nouns starting with A-Z

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Articles for Common Nouns

Use the if a reader could identify the noun specifically.

  • Please turn off the lights . We’re not going to the museum tomorrow. (Count)
  • The food throughout Korea is excellent (Non-count)

Use a / an if the noun refers to a single item that is not specific. Never use a / an with plural or non-count nouns.

  • Bring an eraser to class. You’ll be using a pencil to write an essay today. (Count)

Use a quantifier such as enough, many, some, etc. if the noun represents and unspecified amount and that amount is more than one but not all.

  • Amanda showed us some souvenirs of her trip to New Orleans. Many birds go there in the summer. (Count)
  • We didn’t get enough snow this winter.

Use no article if the noun represents all items in a category or the category in general.

  • Teachers can attend the game for free. Actors must report backstage by 5:00 p.m. (Count)
  • Gold is a natural resource.

About Writing: A Guide Copyright © 2015 by Robin Jeffrey is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

What Are Common Nouns?

Everyday People, Places, and Things

  • An Introduction to Punctuation
  • Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
  • M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
  • B.A., English, State University of New York

In English grammar , a common noun names any person, place, thing, or idea. In other words, it's a  noun that is not the name of any particular person, place, thing, or idea. A common noun is one or all of the members of a class, which can be preceded by a definite article , such as "the" or "this," or an  indefinite article , such as "a" or "an."

Common nouns can be subdivided into countable or uncountable, depending on the function of the noun itself, as well as  abstract  (meaning intangible) or concrete  (meaning physically capable of being touched, tasted, seen, smelled, or heard). In contrast with proper nouns , common nouns do not begin with a capital letter unless they appear at the start of a sentence. 

Common Noun vs. Promer Noun

As noted, a common noun is a noun that's not the name of any particular person, place, or thing, such as  singer ,  river , and  tablet . A proper noun, meanwhile, is a noun that refers to a specific person, place, or thing, such as  Lady Gaga ,  Monongahela River, and  iPad .

Most proper nouns are singular, and—with a few exceptions (iPad)—they're usually written with initial capital letters. When proper nouns are used generically, as in "keeping up with the Joneses," or "a Xerox of my term paper," they become, in a sense, common. A proper noun is a noun belonging to the class of words used as  names  for specific or unique individuals, events, or places, and may include real or fictional characters and settings.

Unlike common nouns, which make up the vast majority of nouns in English, most proper nouns—like Fred, New York, Mars, and Coca-Cola—begin with a  capital letter . They may also be referred to as proper names for their function of naming specific things.

Proper nouns are not typically preceded by  articles  or other  determiners , but there are numerous exceptions such as "the Bronx" or "the Fourth of July." Most proper nouns are  singular , but again, there are exceptions as in "the United States" and, as noted, "the Joneses."

How Proper Nouns Become Common and Vice Versa

Through colloquial use and cultural adaptation, especially through marketing and innovation, common nouns can become proper nouns. Proper nouns can also become common. 

Oftentimes, a proper noun is combined with a common noun to form the complete name of a person, place, or thing—for example, the phrase "Colorado River" contains both a common noun, river , and a proper one, Colorado , but the word "River" in this case becomes proper by its association with a specific body of water known as the Colorado River.

Conversely, items that may have started as goods or products of marketing agencies can sometimes slip into the common vernacular. For instance, aspirin is a former trademark that lost its protection upon falling into common usage.  A spirin  was once Bayer AG's brand name, but the German company lost its rights to the trademark over the years in many countries, notes " Chemical & Engineering News ."

Types of Common Nouns

You should be aware of several types of common nouns.

Countable and uncountable:   Countable nouns are individual objects, people, or places that can be counted. These nouns are considered  content words , meaning they provide the people, things, or ideas about which you speak. Examples are books, Italians, pictures, stations, or women. Uncountable nouns, by contrast, are materials, concepts, or information, which are not individual objects and cannot be counted, such as information, music, water, furniture, luggage, wood, or rice.

Collective:   A collective noun is a noun—such as team, committee, jury, squad, orchestra, crowd, audience, or family—that refers to a group of individuals. It is also known as a group noun.

Concrete:  A concrete noun is a noun, such as chicken or egg, that names a material or tangible objects or phenomenon—something recognizable through the senses.

Abstract:  An abstract noun is a noun or  noun phrase  that names an idea, event, quality, or concept—for example, courage, freedom, progress, love, patience, excellence, or friendship. An abstract noun names something that can't be physically touched.

  • Understanding the Types of Nouns in English Grammar
  • Proper Nouns in English Grammar
  • Types of Nouns
  • Learn the Seven Types of English Nouns
  • What Are Nouns and How Are They Used?
  • 100 Key Terms Used in the Study of Grammar
  • Definition and Examples of Count Nouns
  • Countable and Uncountable Nouns
  • Overview of Noncount Nouns in English Grammar
  • What Makes Something a Proper Name?
  • Articles in Grammar: From "A" to "The" With "An" and "Some" Between
  • What Is a Mass Noun?
  • What's in a Name?
  • Guidelines for Using Capital Letters
  • What Is an Uncountable Noun?
  • Definition and Uses of the Definite Article 'the' in English

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Nouns in The English Language

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Words: 2272 |

12 min read

Published: Apr 11, 2019

Words: 2272 | Pages: 5 | 12 min read

  • Proper and common nouns
  • Personal names (both first names like Diana and Chris, as well as surnames like Popescu);
  • Nationalities (the Japanese, the British)
  • Languages (English, Romanian, Spanish);
  • Titles (Mr. John, Miss Deborah, Mrs. Kerry, Dr. Smith, Queen Elisabeth, Lord Byron, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sergent Jackson, Professor Bright);
  • Animals (Spot, Missy);
  • Calendar items (January, Monday, Christmas);
  • Geographical names like:
  • continents (Europe, Africa)
  • countries (the United States of America, Greece)
  • rivers, lakes, oceans, seas (the Black Sea, the Danube, Lake Michigan)
  • mountains (the Alps) and so on.
  • Celestial bodies (the Moon, Venus)
  • Cardinal points, when they are not used geographically (North, West);
  • Institutions (the European Union, the National Theatre, the British Museum);
  • Newspapers, titles of books, magazines (the Guardian, Vogue, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes)
  • Countable and uncountable nouns
  • it has a plural form (girl – girls, table - tables);
  • it can be preceded by the indefinite article a/an (a cat, an argument);
  • it can be preceded by How many or (a) few (How many pencils have you got?; My cousin has a few books);
  • it can be preceded by numbers (one pencil box with three rulers).
  • it has not a plural form (sugar, silver, blood);
  • it cannot be preceded by the indefinite article a/an (Such fine weather!);
  • it can be preceded by How much or (a) little (How much honey do you want?; My parents have little furniture);
  • it cannot be preceded by numbers.
  • liquids (water, oil, milk);
  • gas (air, oxygen, steam);
  • food (spaghetti, butter, soup, bread, cheese, cookery, food, meat, toast );
  • abstract ideas (chaos, advice, education, fun, gossip, hospitality, information, knowledge, luck, news, nonsense, patience, progress, strength, stuff );
  • subjects / fields (mathematics, art, politics, poetry, vocabulary);
  • mass nouns (hair, transportation, furniture, grass, money);
  • grain and powder (sugar, rice, sand);
  • natural phenomena (rain, snow, darkness, lightning, sunshine, thunder);
  • sports (football, chess, poker);
  • activities (reading, swimming, working, dancing, laughter, leisure, shopping, smoking, spelling, work);
  • feelings (sadness, anger, courage, happiness, jealousy);
  • states of being (adulthood, power, sleep, stress, safety, stupidity, violence, wealth).
  • Concrete and abstract nouns; collective nouns

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common noun essay

What Is a Common Noun? - wordscoach.com

What Is a Common Noun? – Definition, Examples, and Usage

What is a common noun.

A common noun is a word that refers to a general class of people, places, things, or ideas. Common nouns are not capitalized unless they start a sentence or appear in a title.

Language serves as a powerful tool for communication, enabling us to express our thoughts, ideas, and observations about the world around us. Within the English language, nouns play a fundamental role in conveying meaning by identifying people, places, things, and concepts. One important category of nouns is known as common nouns. In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of common nouns, exploring their definition, characteristics, and examples.

Definition of Common Nouns:

A common noun is a type of noun that refers to general, non-specific entities, as opposed to specific individuals, places, or brands. It represents a broad category or class of people, objects, places, or ideas.

Examples of Common Nouns

  • People:  man, woman, child, teacher, doctor, student
  • Places:  city, country, state, park, building, school
  • Things:  book, pen, chair, table, computer, car
  • Ideas:  love, peace, happiness, freedom, justice, equality

How to Use Common Nouns

Common nouns are used in a variety of ways in sentences. They can be used as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, the object of a preposition, or the subject complement.

Examples of Common Nouns in Sentences

  • The man walked to the store. (subject)
  • I gave the book to the woman. (object of a verb)
  • The cat is under the table. (object of a preposition)
  • The dog is a good boy. (subject complement)

Characteristics of Common Nouns:

  • Non-Specificity: Common nouns do not identify unique or particular entities. Instead, they encompass a group or category of similar entities.
  • Generalization: These nouns denote common concepts, entities, or objects that are shared and recognizable within a given context.
  • Lowercase Form: Unlike proper nouns, which are capitalized to denote specificity, common nouns are typically written in lowercase, except when they appear at the beginning of a sentence.

Common Nouns vs. Proper Nouns

A proper noun is a word that refers to a specific person, place, thing, or idea. Proper nouns are always capitalized.

Examples of Proper Nouns

  • People:  John Smith, Mary Jones, Michael Jackson, Paris Hilton
  • Places:  New York City, Paris, France, Mount Everest, The White House
  • Things:  The Mona Lisa, The Beatles, The Empire State Building
  • Ideas:  Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Democracy, Freedom

Common Nouns in Sentences:

  • Subject: Common nouns can function as the subject of a sentence, performing the action or being the main focus. Example: Birds sing in the morning.
  • Object: Common nouns can serve as the object of a sentence, receiving the action or being acted upon. Example: She read a book before bed.
  • Modifier: Common nouns can be modified by adjectives to provide additional description or detail. Example: He wore a red shirt to the party.
  • Pluralization: Common nouns can be pluralized to indicate more than one entity. Example: The cars parked along the street.

Common nouns are a type of noun that refers to a general class of people, places, things, or ideas. They are not capitalized unless they start a sentence or appear in a title. Common nouns can be used in a variety of ways in sentences, including as the subject, object, or subject complement.

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Mastering Common and Proper Nouns: The Key to Writing Like a Pro

By: Author ESLBUZZ

Posted on Last updated: August 2, 2023

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Welcome to our article on common and proper nouns! If you’re learning English, understanding the difference between common and proper nouns is essential. Nouns are the building blocks of sentences, and knowing how to use them correctly can make all the difference in your writing and communication skills.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of what common and proper nouns are, how to identify them, and when to use them. We’ll also provide plenty of examples to help you understand the concepts better. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will help you improve your grammar skills and become a more confident writer.

So, let’s get started! Whether you’re writing an essay, a business email, or a social media post, understanding common and proper nouns is crucial for effective communication. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better grasp of these concepts and be able to use them correctly in your writing.

Common and Proper Nouns – Image

Mastering Common and Proper Nouns: The Key to Writing Like a Pro

Common Nouns

Definition of Common Nouns

Common nouns are words that name general people, places, things, or ideas. These nouns are not specific and do not require capitalization unless they are at the beginning of a sentence. They are the opposite of proper nouns, which name specific people, places, or things, and always require capitalization.

Examples of Common Nouns

Here are some examples of common nouns:

Usage of Common Nouns in Sentences

Common nouns are used in sentences as subjects, objects, and complements. They can be used alone or with other words to form phrases and clauses. Here are some examples:

  • Subject: The dog barked at the mailman.
  • Object: She bought a new dress for the party.
  • Complement: The soup tasted delicious.

Common nouns can also be used in compound nouns, which are formed by combining two or more words. For example, “ice cream” is a compound noun made up of the common nouns “ice” and “cream.”

In conclusion, common nouns are an essential part of the English language. They are used every day to describe general people, places, things, and ideas. By understanding the definition, examples, and usage of common nouns, you can improve your grammar and communication skills.

Proper Nouns

Definition of Proper Nouns

Proper nouns are specific names of people, places, or things. They are always capitalized, no matter where they appear in a sentence. Proper nouns are used to refer to a particular person, place, or thing, and they give nouns a unique identity. Proper nouns are also known as proper names.

Examples of Proper Nouns

Here are some examples of proper nouns:

Usage of Proper Nouns in Sentences

Proper nouns are used in sentences to refer to a specific person, place, or thing. Here are some examples of how proper nouns can be used in sentences:

  • John went to London to visit his friend.
  • Mary lives in New York and works in a restaurant.
  • William Shakespeare is known for his plays and sonnets.
  • Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

Some notes on proper nouns you need to remember:

  • Proper nouns always begin with a capital letter, no matter where they appear in a sentence. This is because they refer to specific, named things, like people, places, or organizations.
  • Did you know that some proper nouns have become so common that they are now used as common nouns? For example, “ Tupperware ” is a brand name, but it’s often used by many as a common noun to refer to any type of box-shaped food container in the kitchen.

Proper nouns can also be used in titles, headings, and other important words in writing. It is important to remember to capitalize proper nouns to give them their unique identity.

In summary, proper nouns are specific names of people, places, or things. They are always capitalized, and they give nouns a unique identity. Proper nouns are used in sentences to refer to a particular person, place, or thing, and they are essential in writing to convey information accurately.

Differences Between Common and Proper Nouns

Common and proper nouns are two important types of nouns in English grammar. Understanding the differences between common and proper nouns is crucial in developing strong writing skills. In this section, we will discuss the main differences between common and proper nouns.

In Terms of Definition

A common noun refers to a general person, place, or thing, while a proper noun refers to a specific person, place, or thing. Common nouns are not capitalized unless they appear at the beginning of a sentence. Proper nouns, on the other hand, are always capitalized.

Here are some examples of common and proper nouns:

In Terms of Usage

Common nouns are used more frequently than proper nouns in everyday language. They are used to refer to general things or concepts. Proper nouns, on the other hand, are used to refer to specific things or people.

Common nouns can be used in a variety of ways, including as subjects, objects, or direct objects in a sentence. Proper nouns are usually used as subjects or objects in a sentence.

Here are some examples of common and proper nouns in sentences:

  • Common Noun: The city is crowded.
  • Proper Noun: New York City is crowded.
  • Common Noun: The dog chased the ball.
  • Proper Noun: Max chased the ball.

In summary, common and proper nouns differ in terms of their definition and usage. Common nouns are general and not capitalized, while proper nouns are specific and always capitalized. It is important to understand these differences in order to use them correctly in your writing.

Importance of Understanding Common and Proper Nouns

As a fundamental aspect of English grammar, understanding the difference between common and proper nouns is crucial for effective communication. It is essential to use the correct noun type to convey the intended meaning and prevent confusion in writing and speech.

Common nouns are general names for people, places, things, or ideas. They are not capitalized unless they appear at the beginning of a sentence. For instance, “dog,” “city,” and “book” are all common nouns. On the other hand, proper nouns are specific names of people, places, things, or ideas, and they always begin with a capital letter. Examples of proper nouns include “John,” “New York City,” and “The Great Gatsby.”

Understanding the difference between common and proper nouns is crucial in writing and speaking. Proper nouns help to identify specific people, places, or things, while common nouns refer to general objects. For instance, “I went to the store” is a sentence that uses a common noun, while “I went to Walmart” uses a proper noun. In this example, the use of a proper noun makes the sentence more specific, and the reader can visualize the exact location.

Using the wrong noun type can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, or even change the intended meaning of a sentence. For instance, “I love to eat pizza with my family” is a sentence that uses a common noun, while “I love to eat Pizza with my family” uses a proper noun. In this example, the use of a proper noun changes the meaning of the sentence from a general food item to a specific brand of pizza.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between common and proper nouns is essential for effective communication in English. It helps to convey the intended meaning, prevent confusion, and make writing and speaking more precise. By using the correct noun type, writers and speakers can create clearer and more engaging content.

Practical Applications of Common and Proper Nouns

Now that we have a clear understanding of what common and proper nouns are, let’s take a look at some practical applications of these types of nouns.

Improving Writing Clarity

Using proper nouns can help improve the clarity of your writing by providing specific details about people, places, and things. For example, instead of writing “I went to the park,” you could write “I went to Central Park.” This not only provides more detail but also allows the reader to better visualize the location.

Capitalization Rules

One of the most important practical applications of common and proper nouns is understanding when to capitalize them. Proper nouns are always capitalized, while common nouns are only capitalized in certain situations (such as at the beginning of a sentence or in titles). Knowing these rules can help improve the professionalism and accuracy of your writing.

Avoiding Ambiguity

Using common and proper nouns correctly can also help avoid ambiguity in your writing. For example, if you write “I saw a bird,” the reader may not know exactly what type of bird you saw. However, if you write “I saw a bald eagle,” the reader knows exactly what you saw and can better understand the context of your writing.

Creating Lists

Common and proper nouns are also useful for creating lists. When making a list of items, it’s important to use consistent capitalization and to ensure that proper nouns are capitalized. For example:

  • Grocery List: milk, bread, apples, Cheerios
  • Travel Itinerary: New York City, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park

Proper Noun Abbreviations

Finally, it’s important to understand how to abbreviate proper nouns. Common examples include abbreviating states (NY for New York) or countries (UK for United Kingdom). However, it’s important to ensure that the abbreviation is widely recognized and accepted to avoid confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between common and proper nouns?

Common nouns refer to general things, such as “dog” or “city,” while proper nouns refer to specific, named things, such as “Max” or “Chicago.” Proper nouns are always capitalized, and common nouns are only capitalized at the beginning of sentences.

Can you give me some examples of common nouns in a sentence?

Sure! Here are some examples of common nouns used in sentences:

  • The dog chased the cat.
  • I need to buy some milk at the grocery store.
  • My favorite color is blue.
  • The teacher assigned homework for the weekend.

What are some common and proper nouns for kids to learn?

For common nouns, kids can learn words like “dog,” “cat,” “book,” and “tree.” For proper nouns, they can learn names of people, places, and things, such as “Samantha,” “New York,” and “Eiffel Tower.”

How do I know if a noun is a proper noun?

Proper nouns are always capitalized, while common nouns are not. If a noun refers to a specific, named thing, it is likely a proper noun.

What are some rules for using proper nouns in writing?

When using proper nouns in writing, always capitalize them. Also, use proper nouns to refer to specific people, places, and things, while using common nouns for general things.

Can you provide some examples of proper nouns that students can use in their writing?

Sure! Here are some examples of proper nouns that students can use in their writing:

  • Harry Potter
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Beyoncé
  • Golden Gate Bridge

Remember, always capitalize proper nouns!

Common nouns refer to general things, such as \"dog\" or \"city,\" while proper nouns refer to specific, named things, such as \"Max\" or \"Chicago.\" Proper nouns are always capitalized, and common nouns are only capitalized at the beginning of sentences.

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Common Nouns (With Types & Examples!)

We use common nouns daily, but what exactly are they, and why do you need to know the different types and their differences? Our guide is here to explain.

Table of Contents

What Are Common Nouns?

A common noun can refer to a person, thing, or place. It comes in a more generic form, meaning the noun does not give specific details about its nature. 

Tip:  You can tell if a word is a common noun by its generic classification, lowercase spelling, and if you can use limiting modifiers. A common noun is helpful if you must create a broader context for your novel or essay. 

Examples of Common Nouns

  • I heard that  the TV show  was canceled.
  • The  city  is always so busy in the morning.
  • The  girl  is not a fan of that  restaurant .
  • The  book  seemed to drag on forever.
  • That  district  is popular with tourists.
  • There were many people in the  park  today.
  • Violent crime is a problem throughout that  nation .
  • The  street  was in dire need of repair.
  • This  town  is always quiet after dark.
  • That  country  is known for its many tourist destinations.
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Common vs. Proper Nouns: What’s the Difference?

Photo showing difference between common nouns and proper nouns.

A common noun is a general classification of something, while a proper noun is a specific manner of classifying something.

For instance, the word “cat” is a common noun since it is a generalized term. However, if you are talking about your cat Simba, the name Simba is a proper noun.

Another example is “TV show.” It does not tell us which TV show is referenced, so it is a common noun. But if you are talking about a specific TV show like  Supernatural , the title of the show is a proper noun.

Tip:  Amazingly, not every common noun will have a proper noun to go along with it. When in doubt, remember that proper nouns are always capitalized, whereas common nouns are in lowercase. 

Common Countable Nouns

Photo showing examples of common countable nouns

As its name suggests, countable nouns are people, places, or things you can count. They can appear in either singular or plural form. A determiner in the “a” or “an” form can precede a countable noun. You can also use numbers, for example, “two cats” or “three cats.”

  • Guitar 
  • Apple 
  • Stranger 
  • Orange 
  • Shirt 
  • Island 

Common Uncountable Nouns

Photo showing some common uncountable nouns

Common uncountable nouns do not have a concrete or finite number. Mass nouns and emotions are often uncountable.  

For example, the noun “information” falls under this type because you cannot count it. 

There is never an “a/an” article preceding it, nor does it have a plural “s” ending. In other words, there is no way of quantifying it. 

Tip: Depending on the statement’s context, you can use a partitive structure, which uses quantity + measure word. For instance, coffee is an uncountable noun, but adding two (quantity) + cups (measure word) allows you to determine the amount of coffee . 

  • Information 
  • Furniture 
  • Transportation 
  • Oxygen 
  • Chewing gum 
  • Weather 
  • Chaos 

Common Collective Nouns

Photo showing some common collective nouns

You use common collective nouns to group certain people, places, or things. Most collective nouns are common, although some can be proper nouns. For example, an “army” is a collective noun used to describe a group of ants. 

Tip:  Collective nouns are treated as singular. For instance, you don’t say,  The army  are  preparing for the war.  If you use a grammar checker, it will underline “are” because it doesn’t agree with the subject. To correct it, you should use “is” instead. 

  • Family 
  • Staff 
  • Flock 
  • Tribe 
  • Kennel 
  • Heard 
  • Group 
  • Swarm 
  • Choir 

Common Concrete Nouns

photo showing some examples of common concrete nouns

A common concrete noun can be a thing, place, or person you encounter using any of your five senses. If the word refers to something that cannot be seen, tasted, smelled, touched, or heard, it simply isn’t a concrete noun. 

Tip:  A concrete noun can be a proper or common noun. For example, you can see a ‘car’ (as a common noun) or a ‘Honda’ (as a proper noun), so either word is a concrete noun.

  • Balloon 
  • Blender 
  • Bucket 
  • Drumset 
  • Painting 
  • Blouse 
  • Paper 

Common Abstract Nouns

photo showing some common abstract nouns.

Common abstract nouns are the complete opposite of concrete nouns. You cannot see, touch, smell, taste, or hear them. Instead, they describe a feeling, idea, or quality. “Love” is an abstract noun since it describes a feeling you cannot see. You can, however, make associations based on the word “love.” 

Tip:  Proper nouns cannot be abstract.

  • Compassion 
  • Confidence 
  • Hatred 
  • Horror 
  • Maturity 
  • Hatefulness
  • Satisfaction 
  • Happiness 
  • Loneliness 
  • Opinion 

Common Possessive Nouns

photo showing example of common possessive nouns.

Possessive nouns show ownership of something and often have an apostrophe s (‘s) ending. Almost any type of noun – including abstract nouns – can be possessive. An example of a common possessive noun is “cat’s,” which shows the cat possesses something. 

To further illustrate this, consider this sentence: 

The cat’s collar was a splendid shade of purple. 

In this sentence, we have a common noun (cat) that is in possessive form when talking about its collar.

Tip:  If the noun is plural or ends with an “s,” the apostrophe is after the letter the S. In singular form, you should place the apostrophe before the S. 

  • Cat’s collar 
  • Women’s shoes 
  • Children’s dolls 
  • Dog’s house 
  • Car’s engine 

Common Compound Nouns 

photo showing some common compound nouns

Common compound nouns consist of two words that can be:

  • Two nouns 
  • A verb and a noun
  • Adjective and a noun 
  • Preposition and a noun 
  • Verb + preposition 

Here are some examples: 

  • Hallway 
  • Lunchtime 
  • Sweatshirt 

List of Common Nouns

photo showing a list of common nouns.

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  • What Is a Common Noun? | Definition & Examples

What Is a Common Noun? | Definition & Examples

Published on 22 August 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on 28 February 2023.

A common noun is a noun that describes a type of person, thing, or place or that names a concept. Common nouns are not capitalised unless they appear at the start of a sentence, unlike proper nouns , which are always capitalised.

Common nouns include the names of different jobs, plants and animals, geographical features, ideas, objects, and many other things. They can be concrete nouns or abstract nouns .

Inequality is a major problem in many societies .

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Common nouns vs proper nouns, common nouns that can become proper nouns, academic concepts are usually common nouns, frequently asked questions about common nouns.

Common nouns are defined by contrast with proper nouns. That means that all nouns are either common or proper (though the same noun can be both, in different contexts).

  • Common nouns are general: they usually name classes of things, people, and places rather than specific things, people, and places. They are only capitalised at the start of a sentence, and they can be modified by articles , determiners, and adjectives.
  • Proper nouns are the names of specific individuals, things, places, companies, etc. They are always capitalised and typically not modified by articles, determiners, or adjectives.

Bill Gates is the co-founder of Microsoft .

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Common nouns can often become proper (i.e., gain capitalisation) when they are used as a name, or as part of a name.

For example, nouns designating family roles, such as ‘dad’, are common in most cases. But when they’re used directly as a name, without any articles or other determiners, they become proper and gain capitalisation.

In a similar way, nouns that act as titles (e.g., ‘president’, ‘archbishop’, ‘professor’) are capitalised only when they’re used as part of the name of someone holding that title.

The cardinal directions (north, east, south, west) are common nouns in most cases. But they become proper when used with a cultural or political meaning or in the name of a specific location.

There is no longer a country called East Germany.

Countries categorised as part of the Global South are often still in the process of industrialising. Note Common nouns representing important concepts are sometimes capitalised in a literary context to emphasise their importance (e.g., ‘Nature’, ‘Truth’).

One common mistake is to assume that concepts, theories, models, and frameworks are proper nouns, and therefore capitalise them. In fact, they are usually common nouns, although they may include proper nouns (or proper adjectives), which should be capitalised.

The Akaike information criterion evaluates how well a model fits the data it was generated from.

A revolution in scientific thought was initiated by Einstein’s theory of relativity .

Common nouns are words for types of things, people, and places, such as ‘dog’, ‘professor’, and ‘city’. They are not capitalised and are typically used in combination with articles and other determiners.

Proper nouns are words for specific things, people, and places, such as ‘Max’, ‘Dr Prakash’, and ‘London’. They are always capitalised and usually aren’t combined with articles and other determiners.

The names of seasons (e.g., ‘spring’) are treated as common nouns in English and therefore not capitalised . People often assume they are proper nouns, but this is an error.

The names of days and months, however, are capitalised since they’re treated as proper nouns in English (e.g., ‘Wednesday’, ‘January’).

No, as a general rule, academic concepts, disciplines, theories, models, etc. are treated as common nouns , not proper nouns , and therefore not capitalised . For example, ‘five-factor model of personality’ or ‘analytic philosophy’.

However, proper nouns that appear within the name of an academic concept (such as the name of the inventor) are capitalised as usual. For example, ‘Darwin’s theory of evolution’ or ‘ Student’s t table ‘.

Sources for this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Caulfield, J. (2023, February 28). What Is a Common Noun? | Definition & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 15 February 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/nouns/common-noun/
Aarts, B. (2011).  Oxford modern English grammar . Oxford University Press.
Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015).  Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage  (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Garner, B. A. (2016).  Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

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Common Noun

Definition of common noun.

A common noun is used to name general things, places, ideas, events, or people. They are words that refer to things in general terms, and not in specific terms. People are also named through common nouns. Even their official names or titles, such as teacher, preacher, clerk, police officer, delivery driver, grandma, and cousin are common nouns. For example, in the sentence ,  “ Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.” ( Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , by J.K. Rowling), the underlined words are common nouns.

Everyday Use of Common Noun

  • Every state has different rules and laws.
  • The baby is crying for his toy car.
  • The dog is barking after seeing a beggar.
  • I have brought new jackets .
  • Ali has broken my pen .
  • The movie was interrupted by noise.
  • My car is parked in the driveway.
  • The sky looks beautiful in the morning.

In these lines, underlined words “every state,” “baby,” “dog,” “jackets,” “pen,” “movie,” “car,” and “sky” are general names for people and things. Hence, they are common nouns.

Difference Between Common Noun and Proper Noun

A common noun is a word that refers to general names of people, places, or things. Words like a city, a car, and a teacher are general terms. A proper noun , on the other hand, is a name that refers to a specific person, place, or thing, such as, Tokyo city, Honda car, and Ms. Elvis, a teacher.

Examples of Common Nouns in Literature

Example #1: great gatsby (by f. scott fitzgerald).

“All my aunts and uncles talked it over as if they were choosing a prep school for me, and finally said, “Why — ye — es,” with very grave, hesitant faces. The practical thing was to find rooms in the city , but it was a warm season , and I had just left a country of wide lawns and friendly trees , so when a young man at the office suggested that we take a house together in a commuting town , it sounded like a great idea.”

This is an excellent example in which Fitzgerald has used several common nouns. These common nouns include “aunts,” “uncles,” “city,” “warm season,” and “town,” for which the author did not mention specific names.

Example #2: Oh! The Places You’ll Go! (by Dr. Seuss)

“You have brains in your head . You have feet in your shoes . You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

Here the author has used common nouns “brains,” “feet,” “direction,” and “guy.” All these are general names, but not specific.

Example #3: Dave Barry’s Only Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need (by Dave Barry)

“Europeans, like some Americans, drive on the right side of the road , except in England, where they drive on both sides of the road ; Italy, where they drive on the sidewalk ; and France, where if necessary they will follow you right into the hotel lobby .”

Here, “side of the road,” “sidewalk,” and “hotel lobby” are common nouns, as they do not refer to one side or another, or to a particular name.

Example #4: Animal Farm (by George Orwell)

“ Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals . He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare minimum that will prevent them from starving, and the rest he keeps for himself … And now , comrades , I will tell you about my dream of last night . I cannot describe that dream to you.”

In this example, the Old Major is talking to his fellow humans by referring to them in general terms as “comrades.” Also, he uses the word “man” to refer to all humans in general.

Function of Common Noun

A common noun is commonly used in speech and writing to perform many functions. The common noun serves to introduce or identify some general person, thing, idea, or place. It names things according to common qualities or features. Like a proper noun, it can also act as an object , a direct object , an indirect object, an object of preposition, or a predicate nominative.

Related posts:

  • Collective Noun
  • Proper Noun
  • Common Sense
  • A Huge List of Common Themes

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Common Noun — Definition and Examples

Daniel Bal

What is a common noun?

A common noun refers to a general, non-specific person, place, thing, or idea. Since common nouns do not name anything specific, these words are not capitalized.

common noun essay

There are five types of common nouns in the English language: countable , uncountable , collective , concrete , and abstract .

Common vs. proper nouns

While a proper noun functions similarly to a common noun, the main difference depends on the person, place, or thing referenced. Proper nouns name specific things, individual people, or places, whereas common nouns are generic or broad. Due to the specificity of the noun, proper ones start with a capital letter, whereas common ones are lowercase.

Common noun examples

The following include some of the most-used examples of common nouns:

Common noun sentences

The following example sentences contain common nouns:

The teacher wanted to stop lecturing for the day.

Samantha’s mother and father were proud of her success.

Carl loved spending time with his family during the holidays.

Common noun example

Henry enjoyed being able to relax at home .

During the winter, Stephanie always considers moving to a warmer state .

Once the last bell rang, Christy ran straight to the library .

After working all weekend , Tim was excited to see his paycheck .

The social studies teacher told the class that voting was their civic duty .

After Sara passed her driving test , she immediately wanted a new car .

Will wanted to know the difference between intelligence and wisdom .

The couple built a trusting relationship after spending over five years together.

Tiffany was amazed by the courage of the soldiers during battle.

Common noun example

Common Noun

In English grammar, a common noun is a type of noun that refers to general or common things, such as animals, concepts, events, objects, or people, as opposed to proper nouns, which refer to specific individuals, names or places. Common nouns are words that do not give any specific names.

Definition of a Common Noun

A common noun is a group of words that refers to a general person, place, idea, or thing. It is a non-specific word that describes more than one person, thing, or place. When writing, common nouns do not need capital letters since they are general features. It is essential to note that common nouns are different from proper nouns in that common nouns are general terms while proper nouns are specific terms that identify a particular entity. Common nouns can be replaced by pronouns, while proper nouns can not.

What are the Different Types of Common Nouns?

There are three different types of common nouns:

  • Concrete nouns
  • Abstract nouns
  • Collective nouns

Concrete Nouns

Concrete nouns are those that refer to tangible, physical items that are visible, audible, or touchable. These are the things which have definite physical elements like shape, size, weight, and color.

Here are a few examples of concrete nouns:

Abstract Nouns

Abstract nouns are those that refer to concepts or ideas. These are the things that do not have any physical or tangible existence. They are things that we cannot touch or see. They are often used to describe qualities or characteristics.

Here are a few examples of abstract nouns:

  • Intelligence

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns are those that refer to groups of people, animals, or objects.

Here are a few examples of collective nouns:

Examples of Common Nouns and their Uses

  • Teacher – A person in a school who teaches different subjects to students of different levels.
  • Room – A space that is enclosed by walls, ceiling, and floor in a building.
  • Cat – A small carnivorous mammal that is well-known for being a popular and beloved house-pet.
  • Computer – A machine that performs tasks by executing a series of stored instructions.
  • City – A large human settlement that has infrastructure that supports industry, commerce, and transportation.
  • Color – A distinctive feature or mark that a visual object has, like blue or red.
  • Friend – A person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection or understanding.
  • Trees – A large perennial woody plant that has a single main stem or trunk, supporting branches and leaves.
  • Phone – An electronic device that allows communication over a distance through a network or telecommunication system.
  • Book – A written or printed work in which an author has presented a narrative, historical event, or instructional material.

Common Nouns vs. Proper Nouns

Common and Proper Nouns are different in various ways:

Capitalization

The first letter of proper nouns must always be capitalized, while common nouns do not require capitalization; otherwise, they will become proper nouns.

Here is an example to show the difference. Common Noun: city, Proper Noun: Delhi

Specificity

Common Nouns are general, while proper nouns are specific entities. Common nouns can refer to either a general entity, such as a book or an ocean, or any one of a class of entities, such as dogs. Proper nouns refer to specific entities.

In contrast, here is a proper noun example. Common noun: Fruit, Proper Noun: Mango.

Uses of Common Nouns

Common Nouns are an essential element of the English language, serving many purposes:

Generalization

Common Nouns help in generalizing similar entities. For instance, dogs have many characteristics that are similar across different individual dog breeds; these can all be generalized using a common noun, “dogs.”

Substitutes for Proper Nouns

Common nouns can also substitute for proper nouns. For instance, “I am going to the city,” versus “I am going to Mumbai.” If the specific city were not known, “the city” could b e used in place of Mumbai.

Clarity and Variation

Common Nouns help with clarity and variation by making text easier to understand by an audience in general. Using descriptive common nouns makes writing richer, varied and readable.

Q1. What is a common noun?

A common noun is a type of noun that refers to general or common things, such as animals, concepts, events, objects, or people, as opposed to proper nouns, which refer to specific individuals, names or places.

Q2.What are some examples of common nouns?

Some examples of common nouns include teacher, room, cat, computer, city, color, friend, trees, phone, book, to name a few.

Q3.How do common nouns differ from proper nouns?

Common nouns are general words that refer to people, things, or ideas, whereas proper nouns are specific words that refer to a particular person, place, or thing. Common nouns can be generalized, but proper nouns cannot be.

Q4.What types of common nouns are there?

The three types of common nouns are Concrete nouns, Abstract nouns, and Collective nouns.

Q5. What role do common nouns play in the English language?

Common Nouns are an essential element of the English language, serving many purposes, such as substitution for proper nouns, generalization of ideas, and providing clarity and variation.

Q6. Can common nouns be replaced by pronouns?

Yes, common nouns can be replaced by pronouns.

Q7. Can abstract ideas be common nouns?

Yes, abstract ideas are a type of common noun.

Q8. What is an example of a collective noun?

Examples of collective nouns include herd, flock, swarm, team, class, gang, and board.

Q9. Can a common noun be a proper noun?

A common noun can become a proper noun if it refers to a specific or unique entity.

Q10. What are a few synonyms for the term “Common Noun?”

Plain Noun, Generic Noun, Unsophisticated Noun, Ordinary Noun are a few synonyms for the term Common Noun.

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What does the noun essay mean?

There are 12 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun essay , nine of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

essay has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the noun essay ?

How is the noun essay pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun essay come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun essay is in the late 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for essay is from 1597, in the writing of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor, politician, and philosopher.

It is also recorded as a verb from the Middle English period (1150—1500).

essay is a borrowing from French.

Etymons: French essai .

Nearby entries

  • esrache, v. 1477
  • esraj, n. 1921–
  • ESRO, n. 1961–
  • ess, n. 1540–
  • -ess, suffix¹
  • -ess, suffix²
  • essamplerie, n. 1393
  • essart, n. 1656–
  • essart, v. 1675–
  • essarting, n. a1821–
  • essay, n. 1597–
  • essay, v. 1483–
  • essayal, n. 1837–
  • essayer, n. 1611–
  • essayette, n. 1877–
  • essayfy, v. 1815–
  • essay-hatch, n. 1721–
  • essayical, adj. 1860–
  • essaying, n. 1861–
  • essaying, adj. 1726–
  • essayish, adj. 1863–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for essay, n..

essay, n. was first published in 1891; not yet revised

essay, n. was last modified in September 2023

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

  • corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
  • new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into essay, n. in September 2023.

Earlier versions of essay, n. were published in:

OED First Edition (1891)

  • Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

  • View essay, n. in Second Edition

Please submit your feedback for essay, n.

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Citation details

Factsheet for essay, n., browse entry.

Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

Common Noun

If you’re a teacher, tutor, student or parent trying to catch up on a few grammar rules, the following information on the common noun is a great place to start!  Let’s begin with the basics.

What is a Common Noun?

While there are many different types of nouns, a common noun are the least complex.  They are simply words that name people, places, things, or ideas.  But they are not the actual NAMES of people, place or things.  In other words, the word “girl” is a common noun, but the word “Ashley” is a proper noun because it’s the specific name of the girl. By the same token “street “ is a common noun, but “Main Street” is a proper noun as it calls a specific street by name.

The word “Colorado” is a proper noun because it names a particular state.  The word “state” is a common noun because it could refer to any state in America.

Examples of a Common Noun

Finding examples of a common noun is as simple as opening you eyes!  What is the first thing you see when you wake up each morning?  Your alarm clock?  The word clock is a common noun because it names, or identifies, a thing.

What do you see when you walk out your front door each morning?  A car, a tree, the sky, your neighbor, a bus, a house, a store?  Each is a common noun because they name a thing, place, or person:

  • People: mother, father, baby, child, toddler, teenager, grandmother, student, teacher, minister, businessperson, salesclerk, woman, man
  • Animals: lion, tiger, bear, dog, cat, alligator, cricket, bird, wolf
  • Things: table, truck, book, pencil, iPad, computer, coat, boots,
  • Places: city, state, country, continent, coffee shop, restaurant, park, zoo
  • Ideas: envy, love, hate, respect, patriotism, pride

Capitalizing a Common Noun

Capitalization rules can get confusing sometimes but when it comes to capitalizing a common noun the rules are very simple.  Don’t do it…unless the common noun is the first word in a sentence or part of a title.   For example…

Possessive Common Noun

Possessive nouns show ownership or relation to something else. To make a singular common noun possessive, simply add an apostrophe and the letter “s.”

To make the possessive form of a singular common noun that ends in “s” add an apostrophe and “s,” as in these examples:

For a plural common noun that doesn’t end in “s” simply follow the rules of singular common noun that doesn’t end in “s” and add an apostrophe and “s.”

If a plural common noun does end in “s” just add an apostrophe to make the possessive form.

Now that you’ve brushed on the basics, recognizing and using a common noun is really pretty easy, don’t you agree?

Check out these common noun worksheets

Learn English Team

Common and Proper Nouns Explained (Exercise and Examples)

In English grammar, a noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. There are two types of nouns : common nouns and proper nouns.

common noun essay

Common and Proper Nouns

A common noun is a noun that refers to a general, non-specific person, place, thing, or idea. For example, “dog,” “city,” and “book” are all common nouns because they refer to any dog, any city, and any book.

A proper noun, on the other hand, is a specific name given to a particular person, place, or thing. Proper nouns are always capitalized . For example, “ L assie,” “ N ew Y ork C ity,” and “ H arry P otter” are all proper nouns because they refer to a specific dog, a specific city, and a specific character in a book, respectively.

Remember : Proper nouns are always capitalized, and common nouns are only capitalized at the beginning of sentences.

See the difference between common nouns and proper nouns, in the following examples:

“I went to the city .” (common noun)

“I went to New York City .” (proper noun)

“My dog is barking.” (common noun)

“My dog’s name is Lassie .” (proper noun)

“I read a book .” (common noun)

“I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone .” (proper noun)

Check Also: 100 Most Common English Nouns A-Z List (PDF)📋 500+ English Verbs List (V1 V2 V3 Verb Forms) Very Useful Basic English Sentences (PDF)

Common and Proper Nouns Worksheet

common noun essay

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Synonyms of essay

  • as in article
  • as in attempt
  • as in to attempt
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Thesaurus Definition of essay

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

  • dissertation
  • composition
  • prolegomenon
  • undertaking
  • trial and error
  • experimentation

Thesaurus Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2)

  • have a go at
  • try one's hand (at)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb essay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of essay are attempt , endeavor , strive , and try . While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

When might attempt be a better fit than essay ?

While the synonyms attempt and essay are close in meaning, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

Where would endeavor be a reasonable alternative to essay ?

Although the words endeavor and essay have much in common, endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

When is strive a more appropriate choice than essay ?

While in some cases nearly identical to essay , strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of essay ?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

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Cite this entry.

“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essay. Accessed 17 Feb. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on essay

Nglish: Translation of essay for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of essay for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about essay

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COMMENTS

  1. What Is a Common Noun?

    A common noun is a noun that describes a type of person, thing, or place or that names a concept. Common nouns are not capitalized unless they appear at the start of a sentence, unlike proper nouns, which are always capitalized.

  2. Common Nouns: Definition, Meaning and Examples

    A common noun is a noun that may refer to a general or specific class or entity and can be used with limiting modifiers such as a, an, my, every, and some. A common noun is always written in lowercase. The English language is full of confusing rules and exceptions to those rules so let's scale it back for a moment to make this easier to understand.

  3. Common and Proper Nouns: Definition, Examples, & Exercises

    A common noun is the general, non-specific term for a person, place, thing, or idea. Usually, common nouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence. For example, as you work on your homework, think about the things you are using. You might be using a computer, a textbook, or a pencil.

  4. What Is a Common Noun? Types, Explanation, and Examples

    Grammar Parts of Speech Nouns What Is a Common Noun? Types, Explanation, and Examples By Jennifer Gunner, M.Ed. Education , Senior Writer Updated September 27, 2022 Image Credits Girl is a common noun, but Annabelle isn't. Car is a common noun, but Mercedes isn't.

  5. What Is a Common Noun?

    Company What Is a Common Noun? Catherine Traffis A common noun is the generic name for a person, place, or thing in a class or group. Unlike proper nouns, a common noun is not capitalized unless it either begins a sentence or appears in a title.

  6. English Grammar Rules

    Start writing with Ginger What is a Common Noun A noun is a word that names a person, animal, place, thing, or idea. All nouns can be further classified as a proper or common noun. Common nouns are words used to name general items rather than specific ones. Go into your living room. What do you see?

  7. Noun guide from EasyBib.com. Learn about the common and proper noun

    Nouns: What's in a Name? Nouns: What's in a Name? With a name that means, literally, 'to name', it's pretty impossible to imagine the English language—or any language—without the noun.

  8. Articles for Common Nouns

    Articles for Common Nouns Use the if a reader could identify the noun specifically. Examples. Please turn off the lights. We're not going to the museum ... You'll be using a pencil to write an essay today. (Count) Use a quantifier such as enough, many, some, etc. if the noun represents and unspecified amount and that amount is more than one ...

  9. What Are Common Nouns in English Grammar?

    In English grammar, a common noun names any person, place, thing, or idea. In other words, it's a noun that is not the name of any particular person, place, thing, or idea. A common noun is one or all of the members of a class, which can be preceded by a definite article , such as "the" or "this," or an indefinite article, such as "a" or "an."

  10. Nouns in the English Language: [Essay Example], 2272 words

    Common nouns designate all those nouns which do not name a particular person, thing, idea or place.

  11. What Is a Common Noun?

    A common noun is a type of noun that refers to general, non-specific entities, as opposed to specific individuals, places, or brands. It represents a broad category or class of people, objects, places, or ideas. Examples of Common Nouns People: man, woman, child, teacher, doctor, student Places: city, country, state, park, building, school

  12. Mastering Common and Proper Nouns: The Key to Writing Like a Pro

    Proper Noun: Max chased the ball. In summary, common and proper nouns differ in terms of their definition and usage. Common nouns are general and not capitalized, while proper nouns are specific and always capitalized. It is important to understand these differences in order to use them correctly in your writing.

  13. Common Nouns (With Types & Examples!)

    A common noun is a general classification of something, while a proper noun is a specific manner of classifying something. For instance, the word "cat" is a common noun since it is a generalized term. However, if you are talking about your cat Simba, the name Simba is a proper noun. Another example is "TV show.".

  14. What Is a Common Noun?

    A common noun is a noun that describes a type of person, thing, or place or that names a concept. Common nouns are not capitalised unless they appear at the start of a sentence, unlike proper nouns, which are always capitalised.

  15. Common Noun

    A common noun is a word that refers to general names of people, places, or things. Words like a city, a car, and a teacher are general terms. A proper noun, on the other hand, is a name that refers to a specific person, place, or thing, such as, Tokyo city, Honda car, and Ms. Elvis, a teacher.. Examples of Common Nouns in Literature

  16. Common Noun

    Definition Common vs. proper nouns Examples What is a common noun? A common noun refers to a general, non-specific person, place, thing, or idea. Since common nouns do not name anything specific, these words are not capitalized. What are common nouns?

  17. Common Noun

    Common nouns are words that do not give any specific names. Definition of a Common Noun. A common noun is a group of words that refers to a general person, place, idea, or thing. It is a non-specific word that describes more than one person, thing, or place. When writing, common nouns do not need capital letters since they are general features.

  18. essay, n. meanings, etymology and more

    late 1500s. The earliest known use of the noun essay is in the late 1500s. OED's earliest evidence for essay is from 1597, in the writing of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor, politician, and philosopher. It is also recorded as a verb from the Middle English period (1150—1500). essay is a borrowing from French. Etymons: French essai. See etymology.

  19. What is a Common Noun?

    By the same token "street " is a common noun, but "Main Street" is a proper noun as it calls a specific street by name. The word "Colorado" is a proper noun because it names a particular state. The word "state" is a common noun because it could refer to any state in America. Examples of a Common Noun

  20. The Writing Center

    Proper Nouns. Proper nouns refer to particular persons, places, and things by name. They are capitalized. France, the Atlantic Ocean, Chicago, the Amazon River, the Rocky Mountains. World War II, Impressionism, the Middle Ages, the Civil War, the Renaissance. Labor Day, Thursday, April, New Year's Eve, the Fourth of July, Easter.

  21. Common and Proper Nouns Explained (Exercise and Examples)

    Common and Proper Nouns. A common noun is a noun that refers to a general, non-specific person, place, thing, or idea. For example, "dog," "city," and "book" are all common nouns because they refer to any dog, any city, and any book. A proper noun, on the other hand, is a specific name given to a particular person, place, or thing.

  22. ESSAY Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

    Definition of essay 1 as in article a short piece of writing typically expressing a point of view school essays on what it means to be a patriot Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance article paper dissertation theme thesis composition treatise editorial column report commentary feature study review discussion write-up discourse causerie tract

  23. Free Essay: The Noun

    COMMON NOUNS - general nouns such as cat, hand, clock etc. COUNTABLE NOUNS - nouns that can be counted, such as car- cars, child - children etc. UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS - nouns that can' t be counted, such as water, air, fire etc. COLLECTIVE NOUNS - nouns that refer to a group of things or people such as family , police, worker's union etc. CONCRETE N...

  24. Today's Wordle Answer for February 17, 2024

    The editor of Connections, our new game about finding common threads between words, talks about how she makes this daily puzzle feel fun. We asked some of the best Sudoku solvers in the world for ...