common noun definition and examples
A More Formal Definition of Proper Noun and Common Noun. A proper noun is used for a specific person, place, or thing. A common noun is used for a class of person, place, or thing. Here are some examples of proper nouns and common nouns: Below are some examples of proper nouns (shaded) and common nouns in the same sentence. Those idiots have been annoying Jason.
1 In the sentence 'Mary had a little lamb', there is one common noun. 2  Names of places are proper nouns, not common nouns. 3  A common noun doesn't usually begin with a capital letter unless it is at the beginning of the sentence.  The phrase a jug of water contains two common nouns - one countable and one uncountable.