Common and proper nouns
All nouns are either common or proper. Understanding the difference helps you know when to use capital letters and how to be specific in your writing.
Common nouns vs proper nouns
Every noun belongs to one of two categories: common or proper.
- A common noun is a general name for a person, place, or thing. It is not capitalised (unless it starts a sentence).
- A proper noun is the specific name of a particular person, place, or thing. It is always capitalised.
Side-by-side comparison
| Common noun | Proper noun | What it names |
|---|---|---|
| city | Paris | A specific city |
| woman | Maria | A specific person |
| river | the Amazon | A specific river |
| day | Monday | A specific day |
| month | January | A specific month |
| language | Spanish | A specific language |
| company | Apple | A specific company |
| book | Pride and Prejudice | A specific book title |
I live in a city. → I live in Tokyo.
My teacher is kind. → Ms Johnson is kind.
We studied a language. → We studied French.
Categories of proper nouns
Proper nouns cover many categories. Here are the most common:
- People's names: William, Aisha, Dr. Patel
- Place names: London, Brazil, the Pacific Ocean, Mount Everest
- Days, months, holidays: Tuesday, August, Christmas, Ramadan
- Languages and nationalities: English, French, Japanese, Brazilian
- Brand and company names: Nike, Google, the BBC
- Titles of works: Hamlet, The New York Times
- Historical events and periods: the Renaissance, World War II
When common nouns become proper nouns
Sometimes the same word can be common or proper depending on how it is used.
I have a president in mind. (common — any president)
I met President Obama. (proper — specific person with title)
We visited the museum. (common — any museum)
We visited the British Museum. (proper — specific museum)
Simple rule: If you can put "a" or "the" in front of it and it still makes sense as a general word, it's probably a common noun. Proper nouns name one specific thing.
Common mistake: Do not capitalise seasons — spring, summer, autumn, and winter are common nouns in English, unlike days and months.