Common and Proper Nouns

All nouns can classified into one of two categories: common or proper. This classification is important, because it helps us to decide whether to capitalize our nouns.

General Rule for Nouns

• Nouns that describe a general person, place, or thing are common nouns: we only capitalize them at the beginning of a sentence or quotation.
• Nouns that describe a special person, place, or thing - a "one of a kind" - are proper nouns: we always capitalize them.

Here's a note for creative writers: it's helpful to sprinkle your stories and essays with proper nouns. Common nouns are, quite obviously, common, which means we see them a lot. Using precise proper nouns adds energy and interest to your writing.

Examples of Common Nouns

• Pronouns (she, him, us)
• Foods (cake, steak, celery)
• Animals (tiger, dog, cat)
• Plants (tree, rose, dandelion)
• Subjects (math, art, science)

Examples of Proper Nouns

• Names of specific persons (Heidi, Lee Yun Ah, Mr. Bush)
• Names of specific places (San Fransisco, Europe, Johannesburg)
• Titles (Lord of the Rings, the Bible, Twilight)
• Parts of street names (Fifth Avenue, ÀºÇà Junction)
• Names of companies (Samsung, Ford Motor Co., Amazon.com)
• The word "Internet"