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๐ Content updated on 21 April 2026
๐ Proper Nouns & Common Nouns – Quick Summary:
A common noun names any person, place, animal, or thing (e.g., 'girl', 'city', 'river'). A proper noun names a specific one and always starts with a capital letter (e.g., 'Riya', 'Mumbai', 'Ganga').
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Read each sentence carefully. Identify whether the bold or mentioned word is a proper noun (special name) or a common noun (general name). Then click “Show Answer” for the explanation and a fresh example.
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Read each sentence carefully. Identify whether the bold or mentioned word is a proper noun (special name) or a common noun (general name). Then click “Show Answer” for the explanation and a fresh example.
In this worksheet:
(Click any topic to jump straight to that section)
If you're learning about nouns, revisiting the
Nouns and Pronouns hub
can give you a solid foundation. For extra practice, try the
Collective & Abstract Nouns worksheet
next. Both pair well with today's lesson.
✅ Solved Examples (20 Questions with Answers)
Study these carefully. They show the difference between general names (common) and special names (proper).
Solved Q.1
Identify the proper noun: "My friend lives in London."
Show Answer
Answer: London
Explanation: 'London' is the specific name of a city, so it is a proper noun. Proper nouns always begin with a capital letter. 'Friend' is a common noun because it's a general name for a person.
Example: She visited Paris last summer.
Explanation: 'London' is the specific name of a city, so it is a proper noun. Proper nouns always begin with a capital letter. 'Friend' is a common noun because it's a general name for a person.
Example: She visited Paris last summer.
Solved Q.2
Find the common noun: "Mount Everest is the highest peak."
Show Answer
Answer: peak
Explanation: 'Peak' is a general word for the top of a mountain, so it's a common noun. 'Mount Everest' is a proper noun because it's a specific mountain's name.
Example: K2 is another dangerous peak.
Explanation: 'Peak' is a general word for the top of a mountain, so it's a common noun. 'Mount Everest' is a proper noun because it's a specific mountain's name.
Example: K2 is another dangerous peak.
Solved Q.3
Is "Taj Mahal" a proper noun or common noun?
Show Answer
Answer: Proper noun
Explanation: 'Taj Mahal' is the specific name of a famous monument. It always starts with capital letters. General words like 'monument' are common nouns.
Example: The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.
Explanation: 'Taj Mahal' is the specific name of a famous monument. It always starts with capital letters. General words like 'monument' are common nouns.
Example: The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.
Solved Q.4
Identify proper and common nouns: "Dr. Sharma works at the hospital."
Show Answer
Answer: Proper: Dr. Sharma; Common: hospital
Explanation: 'Dr. Sharma' is a specific person's title and name, so proper noun. 'Hospital' is a general place, common noun.
Example: Mrs. Gupta teaches at the school.
Explanation: 'Dr. Sharma' is a specific person's title and name, so proper noun. 'Hospital' is a general place, common noun.
Example: Mrs. Gupta teaches at the school.
Solved Q.5
Find the proper noun: "We went to the beach in Goa."
Show Answer
Answer: Goa
Explanation: 'Goa' is the specific name of a state, so proper noun. 'Beach' is a common noun because it refers to any sandy shore.
Example: We visited Kerala and enjoyed the backwaters.
Explanation: 'Goa' is the specific name of a state, so proper noun. 'Beach' is a common noun because it refers to any sandy shore.
Example: We visited Kerala and enjoyed the backwaters.
Solved Q.6
Is "Monday" a proper or common noun?
Show Answer
Answer: Proper noun
Explanation: Days of the week are specific names, so they are proper nouns and start with a capital letter. 'Day' itself is a common noun.
Example: Friday is my favourite day.
Explanation: Days of the week are specific names, so they are proper nouns and start with a capital letter. 'Day' itself is a common noun.
Example: Friday is my favourite day.
Solved Q.7
Find the common noun: "The Ganga is a holy river."
Show Answer
Answer: river
Explanation: 'River' is a general category of water bodies, so common noun. 'Ganga' is the specific name, proper noun.
Example: The Yamuna is another important river.
Explanation: 'River' is a general category of water bodies, so common noun. 'Ganga' is the specific name, proper noun.
Example: The Yamuna is another important river.
Solved Q.8
"My dog Bruno loves to play." Identify proper and common nouns.
Show Answer
Answer: Proper: Bruno; Common: dog
Explanation: 'Bruno' is the pet's specific name, proper noun. 'Dog' is the general animal name, common noun.
Example: My cat Whiskers sleeps all day.
Explanation: 'Bruno' is the pet's specific name, proper noun. 'Dog' is the general animal name, common noun.
Example: My cat Whiskers sleeps all day.
Solved Q.9
Pick the proper noun: "She studies at Oxford University."
Show Answer
Answer: Oxford University
Explanation: 'Oxford University' is the specific name of an institution, proper noun. 'University' alone would be a common noun.
Example: He dreams of studying at Cambridge University.
Explanation: 'Oxford University' is the specific name of an institution, proper noun. 'University' alone would be a common noun.
Example: He dreams of studying at Cambridge University.
Solved Q.10
"The Pacific Ocean is vast." Which word is a proper noun?
Show Answer
Answer: Pacific Ocean
Explanation: 'Pacific Ocean' is the specific name of a body of water, proper noun. 'Ocean' is a common noun.
Example: The Indian Ocean is warm.
Explanation: 'Pacific Ocean' is the specific name of a body of water, proper noun. 'Ocean' is a common noun.
Example: The Indian Ocean is warm.
Solved Q.11
Find the common noun: "We celebrate Diwali with lights."
Show Answer
Answer: lights
Explanation: 'Lights' is a general thing, common noun. 'Diwali' is a specific festival name, proper noun.
Example: We burst crackers on Diwali.
Explanation: 'Lights' is a general thing, common noun. 'Diwali' is a specific festival name, proper noun.
Example: We burst crackers on Diwali.
Solved Q.12
"The Ramayana is an epic." Identify proper and common nouns.
Show Answer
Answer: Proper: Ramayana; Common: epic
Explanation: 'Ramayana' is the specific title of a book, proper noun. 'Epic' is a general category of long poems, common noun.
Example: The Mahabharata is another ancient epic.
Explanation: 'Ramayana' is the specific title of a book, proper noun. 'Epic' is a general category of long poems, common noun.
Example: The Mahabharata is another ancient epic.
Solved Q.13
Which word is a proper noun: "The president lives in Delhi."
Show Answer
Answer: Delhi
Explanation: 'Delhi' is the specific capital city, proper noun. 'President' is a common noun for a leader.
Example: The Prime Minister addressed the nation from New Delhi.
Explanation: 'Delhi' is the specific capital city, proper noun. 'President' is a common noun for a leader.
Example: The Prime Minister addressed the nation from New Delhi.
Solved Q.14
Is "January" a proper or common noun?
Show Answer
Answer: Proper noun
Explanation: Months of the year are specific names, so proper nouns. 'Month' is the common noun.
Example: My birthday is in March.
Explanation: Months of the year are specific names, so proper nouns. 'Month' is the common noun.
Example: My birthday is in March.
Solved Q.15
"The Himalayas are beautiful mountains." Find the common noun.
Show Answer
Answer: mountains
Explanation: 'Mountains' is a general landform, common noun. 'Himalayas' is the specific range, proper noun.
Example: The Alps are snowy mountains in Europe.
Explanation: 'Mountains' is a general landform, common noun. 'Himalayas' is the specific range, proper noun.
Example: The Alps are snowy mountains in Europe.
Solved Q.16
Identify proper noun: "My favourite superhero is Spider-Man."
Show Answer
Answer: Spider-Man
Explanation: 'Spider-Man' is the specific name of a character, proper noun. 'Superhero' is a common noun.
Example: Batman protects Gotham City.
Explanation: 'Spider-Man' is the specific name of a character, proper noun. 'Superhero' is a common noun.
Example: Batman protects Gotham City.
Solved Q.17
"She bought a Samsung phone." Find proper noun.
Show Answer
Answer: Samsung
Explanation: 'Samsung' is a specific brand name, proper noun. 'Phone' is a common noun.
Example: He uses an Apple laptop.
Explanation: 'Samsung' is a specific brand name, proper noun. 'Phone' is a common noun.
Example: He uses an Apple laptop.
Solved Q.18
"The Indian Ocean is warm." Identify common noun.
Show Answer
Answer: Ocean
Explanation: 'Ocean' is a general water body, common noun. 'Indian Ocean' is proper.
Example: The Atlantic Ocean is vast.
Explanation: 'Ocean' is a general water body, common noun. 'Indian Ocean' is proper.
Example: The Atlantic Ocean is vast.
Solved Q.19
"We visited the Red Fort in Delhi." Proper noun?
Show Answer
Answer: Red Fort, Delhi
Explanation: Both are specific names of a monument and a city, proper nouns.
Example: We saw the Qutub Minar in Delhi.
Explanation: Both are specific names of a monument and a city, proper nouns.
Example: We saw the Qutub Minar in Delhi.
Solved Q.20
"Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a scientist." Proper noun?
Show Answer
Answer: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Explanation: This is the full specific name of a person, proper noun. 'Scientist' is a common noun.
Example: Marie Curie was a famous scientist.
Explanation: This is the full specific name of a person, proper noun. 'Scientist' is a common noun.
Example: Marie Curie was a famous scientist.
Hindi also distinguishes between เคต्เคฏเค्เคคिเคตाเคเค เคธंเค्เคा (proper) and เคाเคคिเคตाเคเค เคธंเค्เคा (common). For more, visit
Sangya (Noun) Hub.
Ready for abstract ideas? The
Collective & Abstract Nouns worksheet
is a great next challenge.
✏️ Practice Questions (20 Questions with Answers)
Test your understanding. Try to identify proper and common nouns before checking.
Practice Q.1
Find the proper noun: "My cousin lives in Canada."
Show Answer
Answer: Canada
Explanation: 'Canada' is the specific name of a country, proper noun. 'Cousin' is a common noun.
Example: Her uncle works in Australia.
Explanation: 'Canada' is the specific name of a country, proper noun. 'Cousin' is a common noun.
Example: Her uncle works in Australia.
Practice Q.2
"The book was written by J.K. Rowling." Identify proper noun.
Show Answer
Answer: J.K. Rowling
Explanation: 'J.K. Rowling' is a specific author's name, proper noun. 'Book' is a common noun.
Example: Roald Dahl wrote many funny stories.
Explanation: 'J.K. Rowling' is a specific author's name, proper noun. 'Book' is a common noun.
Example: Roald Dahl wrote many funny stories.
Practice Q.3
Which is the common noun? "The Nile is the longest river."
Show Answer
Answer: river
Explanation: 'River' is a general term, common noun. 'Nile' is a specific river's name, proper noun.
Example: The Amazon is another mighty river.
Explanation: 'River' is a general term, common noun. 'Nile' is a specific river's name, proper noun.
Example: The Amazon is another mighty river.
Practice Q.4
"My sister Priya is a dancer." Identify proper noun.
Show Answer
Answer: Priya
Explanation: 'Priya' is a specific person's name, proper noun. 'Sister' and 'dancer' are common nouns.
Example: My brother Rahul is a singer.
Explanation: 'Priya' is a specific person's name, proper noun. 'Sister' and 'dancer' are common nouns.
Example: My brother Rahul is a singer.
Practice Q.5
Find the common noun: "We visited the Taj Mahal last year."
Show Answer
Answer: year
Explanation: 'Year' is a general time unit, common noun. 'Taj Mahal' is proper noun.
Example: We will travel next month.
Explanation: 'Year' is a general time unit, common noun. 'Taj Mahal' is proper noun.
Example: We will travel next month.
Practice Q.6
Is "Saturday" proper or common?
Show Answer
Answer: Proper noun
Explanation: Days are specific names, proper nouns.
Example: We have a holiday on Sunday.
Explanation: Days are specific names, proper nouns.
Example: We have a holiday on Sunday.
Practice Q.7
"The lion is the king of the jungle." Find common noun.
Show Answer
Answer: lion, king, jungle
Explanation: All three are general names, common nouns.
Example: The tiger is a fierce animal.
Explanation: All three are general names, common nouns.
Example: The tiger is a fierce animal.
Practice Q.8
"He works for Google." Identify proper noun.
Show Answer
Answer: Google
Explanation: 'Google' is a specific company name, proper noun.
Example: She uses Microsoft products.
Explanation: 'Google' is a specific company name, proper noun.
Example: She uses Microsoft products.
Practice Q.9
"The Pacific is the largest ocean." Common noun?
Show Answer
Answer: ocean
Explanation: 'Ocean' is a general category, common noun. 'Pacific' is part of the proper noun 'Pacific Ocean'.
Example: The Arctic Ocean is cold.
Explanation: 'Ocean' is a general category, common noun. 'Pacific' is part of the proper noun 'Pacific Ocean'.
Example: The Arctic Ocean is cold.
Practice Q.10
"My school is called Sunshine Public School." Proper noun?
Show Answer
Answer: Sunshine Public School
Explanation: The full specific name of the school is a proper noun. 'School' alone is common.
Example: He studies at Delhi Public School.
Explanation: The full specific name of the school is a proper noun. 'School' alone is common.
Example: He studies at Delhi Public School.
Practice Q.11
"We bought a new Toyota car." Find proper noun.
Show Answer
Answer: Toyota
Explanation: 'Toyota' is a specific brand, proper noun. 'Car' is common.
Example: He drives a Honda bike.
Explanation: 'Toyota' is a specific brand, proper noun. 'Car' is common.
Example: He drives a Honda bike.
Practice Q.12
"She was born in August." Proper noun?
Show Answer
Answer: August
Explanation: Month names are proper nouns.
Example: My vacation is in June.
Explanation: Month names are proper nouns.
Example: My vacation is in June.
Practice Q.13
"The Ganga flows through many cities." Common noun?
Show Answer
Answer: cities
Explanation: 'Cities' is a general plural noun, common. 'Ganga' is proper.
Example: The Yamuna passes through Delhi.
Explanation: 'Cities' is a general plural noun, common. 'Ganga' is proper.
Example: The Yamuna passes through Delhi.
Practice Q.14
"Shah Rukh Khan is a famous actor." Proper noun?
Show Answer
Answer: Shah Rukh Khan
Explanation: Full name of a specific person, proper noun. 'Actor' is common.
Example: Amitabh Bachchan is a legendary actor.
Explanation: Full name of a specific person, proper noun. 'Actor' is common.
Example: Amitabh Bachchan is a legendary actor.
Practice Q.15
"I love to read Harry Potter books." Proper noun?
Show Answer
Answer: Harry Potter
Explanation: 'Harry Potter' is a specific book series name, proper noun. 'Books' is common.
Example: She enjoys reading Nancy Drew mysteries.
Explanation: 'Harry Potter' is a specific book series name, proper noun. 'Books' is common.
Example: She enjoys reading Nancy Drew mysteries.
Practice Q.16
"The festival of Holi is colourful." Find proper noun.
Show Answer
Answer: Holi
Explanation: 'Holi' is a specific festival name, proper noun. 'Festival' is common.
Example: Diwali is celebrated with lamps.
Explanation: 'Holi' is a specific festival name, proper noun. 'Festival' is common.
Example: Diwali is celebrated with lamps.
Practice Q.17
"Nehru was the first Prime Minister." Proper noun?
Show Answer
Answer: Nehru
Explanation: 'Nehru' is a specific surname/person, proper noun. 'Prime Minister' is a common noun.
Example: Gandhi led the freedom movement.
Explanation: 'Nehru' is a specific surname/person, proper noun. 'Prime Minister' is a common noun.
Example: Gandhi led the freedom movement.
Practice Q.18
"I visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar." Proper nouns?
Show Answer
Answer: Golden Temple, Amritsar
Explanation: Both are specific names, proper nouns.
Example: Meenakshi Temple is in Madurai.
Explanation: Both are specific names, proper nouns.
Example: Meenakshi Temple is in Madurai.
Practice Q.19
"The planet Earth is our home." Common noun?
Show Answer
Answer: planet, home
Explanation: 'Planet' and 'home' are general nouns, common. 'Earth' is proper.
Example: The moon orbits the Earth.
Explanation: 'Planet' and 'home' are general nouns, common. 'Earth' is proper.
Example: The moon orbits the Earth.
Practice Q.20
"He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro." Proper noun?
Show Answer
Answer: Mount Kilimanjaro
Explanation: Specific mountain name, proper noun.
Example: Many dream of climbing Mount Everest.
Explanation: Specific mountain name, proper noun.
Example: Many dream of climbing Mount Everest.
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๐ Challenge Questions (10 Questions with Answers)
Look carefully! Some sentences mix proper and common nouns in tricky ways.
Challenge Q.1
Identify all proper and common nouns: "Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a great scientist and the President of India."
Show Answer
Answer: Proper: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India; Common: scientist, President
Explanation: 'Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam' is a specific person, 'India' a country — proper nouns. 'Scientist' and 'President' are common titles/roles.
Example: Nelson Mandela was the President of South Africa.
Explanation: 'Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam' is a specific person, 'India' a country — proper nouns. 'Scientist' and 'President' are common titles/roles.
Example: Nelson Mandela was the President of South Africa.
Challenge Q.2
"The team won the World Cup in Australia." Find all proper and common nouns.
Show Answer
Answer: Proper: World Cup, Australia; Common: team
Explanation: 'World Cup' is a specific tournament, 'Australia' a country — proper. 'Team' is a common noun.
Example: India won the Cricket World Cup in England.
Explanation: 'World Cup' is a specific tournament, 'Australia' a country — proper. 'Team' is a common noun.
Example: India won the Cricket World Cup in England.
Challenge Q.3
"My uncle Raj works at Apollo Hospital in Chennai." Proper nouns?
Show Answer
Answer: Raj, Apollo Hospital, Chennai
Explanation: All three are specific names: a person, a hospital, and a city. 'Uncle' is common.
Example: My aunt Meera works at Fortis Hospital in Mumbai.
Explanation: All three are specific names: a person, a hospital, and a city. 'Uncle' is common.
Example: My aunt Meera works at Fortis Hospital in Mumbai.
Challenge Q.4
"The Ganga, which is a holy river, flows through Varanasi." Identify proper nouns.
Show Answer
Answer: Ganga, Varanasi
Explanation: 'Ganga' (river name) and 'Varanasi' (city name) are proper nouns. 'River' is common.
Example: The Yamuna flows through Delhi.
Explanation: 'Ganga' (river name) and 'Varanasi' (city name) are proper nouns. 'River' is common.
Example: The Yamuna flows through Delhi.
Challenge Q.5
"Jawaharlal Nehru wrote The Discovery of India." Proper nouns?
Show Answer
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru, The Discovery of India
Explanation: Author's name and book title are specific, proper nouns.
Example: Rabindranath Tagore wrote Gitanjali.
Explanation: Author's name and book title are specific, proper nouns.
Example: Rabindranath Tagore wrote Gitanjali.
Challenge Q.6
"She learned French at Alliance Franรงaise in Delhi." Find all proper nouns.
Show Answer
Answer: French, Alliance Franรงaise, Delhi
Explanation: 'French' (language name), 'Alliance Franรงaise' (institute), 'Delhi' (city) are proper nouns.
Example: He studies Spanish at Instituto Cervantes in Mumbai.
Explanation: 'French' (language name), 'Alliance Franรงaise' (institute), 'Delhi' (city) are proper nouns.
Example: He studies Spanish at Instituto Cervantes in Mumbai.
Challenge Q.7
"On Tuesday, we will visit the Statue of Liberty in New York." Proper nouns?
Show Answer
Answer: Tuesday, Statue of Liberty, New York
Explanation: Day of the week, specific monument, and city are all proper nouns.
Example: On Friday, we saw the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Explanation: Day of the week, specific monument, and city are all proper nouns.
Example: On Friday, we saw the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Challenge Q.8
"The Hindu is a widely read newspaper in India." Identify proper and common nouns.
Show Answer
Answer: Proper: The Hindu, India; Common: newspaper
Explanation: 'The Hindu' is a specific newspaper name, 'India' a country — proper. 'Newspaper' is a common noun.
Example: The Times of India is a popular newspaper.
Explanation: 'The Hindu' is a specific newspaper name, 'India' a country — proper. 'Newspaper' is a common noun.
Example: The Times of India is a popular newspaper.
Challenge Q.9
"My favourite holiday destination is Goa during Christmas." Proper nouns?
Show Answer
Answer: Goa, Christmas
Explanation: 'Goa' is a place, 'Christmas' a festival — proper nouns. 'Holiday destination' is a common phrase.
Example: We celebrate Diwali in Jaipur.
Explanation: 'Goa' is a place, 'Christmas' a festival — proper nouns. 'Holiday destination' is a common phrase.
Example: We celebrate Diwali in Jaipur.
Challenge Q.10
"Sachin Tendulkar played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL." List proper nouns.
Show Answer
Answer: Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai Indians, IPL
Explanation: Player's name, team name, and league name are all proper nouns.
Example: Virat Kohli plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
Explanation: Player's name, team name, and league name are all proper nouns.
Example: Virat Kohli plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick answers about proper and common nouns.
FAQ 1
What is a proper noun?
Show Answer
Answer: A proper noun is the specific name of a particular person, place, or thing. It always begins with a capital letter. Examples: Riya, Delhi, Diwali, Mars.
FAQ 2
What is a common noun?
Show Answer
Answer: A common noun is a general name for a person, place, animal, or thing. It does not start with a capital letter unless it begins a sentence. Examples: girl, city, river, book.
FAQ 3
Are days and months proper nouns?
Show Answer
Answer: Yes, days of the week (Monday) and months of the year (January) are proper nouns because they are specific names. They always start with a capital letter.
FAQ 4
Can a word be both proper and common?
Show Answer
Answer: Yes, depending on how it's used. For example, "I went to the park" (common). "I visited Park Street" (proper, part of a specific street name).
FAQ 5
Is 'school' a proper or common noun?
Show Answer
Answer: 'School' alone is a common noun. But when it's part of the official name like 'Delhi Public School', the entire name becomes a proper noun.
