Common and Proper Nouns for Kids

A common noun is a general name for a person, place, thing, or animal.

Examples:

girl

city

dog

school

✏️ Example Sentence:

The girl plays with her dog in the park.

💡 Explanation:

These words are general names, not the exact name of a person, place, or thing.

A proper noun is the specific name of a person, place, animal, or thing.

Proper nouns always start with a capital letter.

Examples:

Maria

Cebu

Max

Sunshine School

✏️ Example Sentence:

Maria walks her dog Max in Cebu.

💡 Explanation:

These are special names, so they begin with a capital letter.

1️⃣ Find the Proper Noun

Which word is the proper noun?

The boy lives in Manila.

A. boy

B. lives

C. Manila

✅ Answer: Manila

💡 Because it is the specific name of a place.

2️⃣ Common or Proper?

Is the bold word common or proper?

My friend Anna loves reading books.

Answer: Proper noun

💡 Because Anna is the name of a person.

3️⃣ Fill in the Blank

Choose the proper noun.

My dog’s name is ______.

A. dog

B. Buddy

C. animal

✅ Answer: Buddy

💡 It is the specific name of the dog.

Common Noun-------Proper Noun

teacher-------Mrs. Cruz

city-------Cebu

boy-------Liam

school-------Sunshine School

dog-------Rocky

💡 Explanation:

Common nouns are general names, while proper nouns are specific names.

Change the common noun into a proper noun.

Example:

The girl is reading.

Possible Answer:

Sofia is reading.

Now try:

1. The boy is running.

2. The dog is barking.

3. The teacher is talking.

🧠 Common noun = General name

⭐ Proper noun = Special name with a capital letter