Difference Between Nouns and Proper Nouns

Nouns vs Proper Nouns
 

Difference between nouns and proper nouns can be a little confusing to some because a proper noun is a kind of noun. However, since nouns and proper nouns are two kinds in grammatical terms, they are used with difference. Therefore, in order to use nouns and proper nouns appropriately in English, you should clearly understand the difference between them. A noun is a word that indicates the name of a person, place or an object for that matter. On the other hand, a proper noun is a noun that denotes the name of a particular person or a place or a thing. This is the main difference between nouns and proper nouns.

What is a Noun?

A noun is a word used as the name of a person, place or thing. Observe the sentences given below.

The ball went high.

The bus did not stop at the stop.

Frank ate an apple.

The words ball, bus, stop, Frank and apple are all nouns. Ball is a name of an object we use to play. Bus is the name of a vehicle. Stop, which indicates bus stop here, is the name of a place. Frank is the name of a person. Apple is the name of a fruit. Since all of these are names of a person, place or thing they are all known as nouns.

What is a Proper Noun?

A proper noun is a noun that denotes the name of a particular person or place or thing. In other words, a proper noun is the name of a specific individual, place or a thing. Look at the following sentences.

Florence is very busy today.

Angus goes to church on Sundays.

In both the sentences, you can see that the words ‘Florence’ and ‘Angus’ are proper nouns, since they denote the specific names of specific individuals. Observe the sentences given below.

London is a large city.

He goes to Church today.

In both the sentences, you can find that the words ‘London’ and ‘Church’ are used as proper nouns respectively since they denote specific places. Have a look at the sentences given below.

Mars is a delicious chocolate.

Windows 10 is expected to be better than Windows 8.

In both of the sentences given above the words ‘Mars’ and ‘Windows’ are considered proper nouns. They are not the names of persons or places, but they stand for the names of things. Mars is a chocolate brand name while Windows is a software brand name. Therefore, they are considered proper nouns.

Proper nouns are easily identifiable from nouns as they are written with a capital letter at the beginning. Florence, Angus, London, Church, Mars and Windows all begin with a capital letter.

What is the difference between Nouns and Proper Nouns?

• A noun is a word that indicates the name of a person, place or an object for that matter.

• On the other hand, a proper noun is a noun that denotes the name of a particular person or a place or a thing.

• Proper nouns are easily identifiable from nouns as they are written with a capital letter at the beginning.

• Proper nouns are a kind of nouns.

These are the main differences between the two of the most important terms used in English grammar called nouns and proper nouns.