Proper Noun Lesson - Definition, Sentences, and Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Is Proper Noun Definition?
• How to Use Proper Nouns in Sentences
• Proper Noun vs. Common Noun
• Examples of Proper Nouns
• Proper Nouns Assessment

Proper nouns are like name tags in a world full of general words, they give unique identities to people, places, and things. Without them, everything would feel vague and impersonal. In this lesson, you will learn what makes a noun "proper," how to use it correctly in sentences, and see examples that clarify its role.

What Is Proper Noun Definition?

A proper noun is the specific name of a person, place, organization, or thing. Unlike common nouns, which refer to general categories, proper nouns always begin with a capital letter, regardless of where they appear in a sentence.

Examples:

• People: Albert Einstein, Emma Watson, Barack Obama
• Places: Paris, Mount Everest, Atlantic Ocean
• Organizations: Google, NASA, United Nations
• Things: Ferrari, Titanic, Mona Lisa

Take This Quiz :

Grammar Quiz: Can You Find The Proper Noun Correctly?

How to Use Proper Nouns in Sentences

Using proper nouns in sentences correctly is essential for clear and precise communication. Follow these steps to ensure proper usage.

Step 1: Always Capitalize Proper Nouns

Proper nouns always start with a capital letter, regardless of where they appear in a sentence.

Example: My best friend Emily loves to read novels.
Explanation: "Emily" is a proper noun word (a person's name) and is capitalized even though it appears in the middle of the sentence.

Step 2: Use Proper Nouns for Specific People, Places, or Things

Use proper nouns when referring to a unique name instead of a general term.

Example: I visited New York City last summer.
Explanation: "New York City" is a proper noun word because it refers to a specific place, while "city" alone would be a common noun.

Step 3: Use Proper Nouns to Indicate Titles and Brands

Titles of books, movies, companies, and brands should be capitalized and written correctly.

Example: We watched The Lion King last night.
Explanation: "The Lion King" is a proper noun because it is a specific movie title. The first letter of each main word is capitalized.

Example: I bought a pair of shoes from Nike.
Explanation: "Nike" is a proper noun word since it is a specific brand name.

Step 4: Avoid Using Articles ("a" or "an") Before Proper Nouns

Proper nouns usually don't need an article before them unless they are part of a title.

Incorrect: I met a John yesterday.
Correct: I met John yesterday.

Example: I visited The Grand Canyon last year.
Explanation: The article "The" is part of the official name, so it remains capitalized.

Step 5: Use Proper Nouns to Show Ownership (Possessive Form)

Add an apostrophe + "s" to a singular proper noun to show possession.

Example: This is Sophia's book.
Explanation: "Sophia" is a proper noun, and the possessive form "Sophia's" shows that the book belongs to her.

These steps help in using proper nouns in sentences, ensuring clarity and correctness in your writing. When referring to proper noun words, you can create more specific and meaningful sentences.

Take This Quiz :

Can You Identify The Proper Noun?

Proper Noun vs. Common Noun

A proper noun is the specific name of a person, place, organization, or thing, always beginning with a capital letter. It identifies something unique, like "New York" or "Michael Jordan." 

In contrast, a common noun is a general name for people, places, or things, such as "city" or "athlete." Proper nouns help provide specificity, while common nouns are more general and broad. 

Examples of Proper Nouns

Here are some proper noun examples to illustrate the different types of proper nouns:

• People's Names
  • Albert Einstein
  • Taylor Swift
  • Leonardo da Vinci
• Geographical Locations
  • Mount Everest
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Sahara Desert
• Countries and Cities
  • United States
  • Paris
  • Tokyo
• Famous Landmarks
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Great Wall of China
  • Eiffel Tower
• Brands and Companies
  • Apple
  • Nike
  • McDonald's
• Religious Texts and Figures
  • Bible
  • Quran
  • Buddha
• Institutions and Organizations
  • Harvard University
  • United Nations
  • NASA
• Events and Holidays
  • Christmas
  • World War II
  • Olympics
• Books, Movies, and TV Shows
  • Harry Potter
  • Titanic
  • Friends
• Planets and Celestial Bodies

• Jupiter
• Milky Way
• Halley's Comet

Take This Quiz :

The Noun Family: proper nouns

Proper Nouns Assessment

Read the following sentences and identify the proper noun in each one. Write the proper noun in the space provided.

1. "The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris."
   Proper Noun: ___________
2. "Shakespeare wrote many famous plays such as Hamlet and Macbeth."
   Proper Noun: ___________
3. "The Amazon River flows through several countries in South America."
   Proper Noun: ___________
4. "My family visited Disneyland last summer."
   Proper Noun: ___________
5. "The Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor."
   Proper Noun: ___________
6. "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered for his role in the civil rights movement."
   Proper Noun: ___________
7. "The novel ‘Pride and Prejudice' was written by Jane Austen."
   Proper Noun: ___________
8. "The Great Wall of China is a wonder of the world."
   Proper Noun: ___________
9. "I read the newspaper article about the famous scientist, Albert Einstein."
   Proper Noun: ___________
10. "We are going to visit the Louvre Museum when we go to Paris."
    Proper Noun: ___________

Answer Key:

1. Eiffel Tower, Paris
2. Shakespeare, Hamlet, Macbeth
3. Amazon River
4. Disneyland
5. Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor
6. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
7. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
8. Great Wall of China
9. Albert Einstein
10. Louvre Museum, Paris