Common Noun vs Proper Noun

The firefighters sprang into action.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

Firefighter is a common noun because it does not name a specific firefigher.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.K.1B

Her new eighth grade teacher is Mrs. Reyes.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

The word teacher here is a common noun. Mrs. Reyes is a PROPER NOUN.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.K.1B

We snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef on vacation last year.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

The Great Barrier Reef names a particular reef making it a PROPER noun. It is located off the coast of Australia and is of the seven wonders of the world.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.K.1B

Bring your iPad on the airplane with you.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

An iPad is a particular device (proper noun). Even though the "i" is not capitalized (brand name) it is still a proper noun.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.K.1B

She felt delight and happiness opening a letter from her father who was overseas in Iraq.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

Happiness is an emotion and even though it is specific, it is still considered a COMMON NOUN.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.K.1B

We are moving out of state at the end of the school year.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

The word state is a COMMON noun because it doesn't name a specific state.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.K.1B

Olive Garden is my favorite Italian restaurant.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

Italian is a specific nationality.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.K.1B

LeBron James is nearly seven feet tall and is a basketball player for the Lakers.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

The team name is the Lakers and since it names a particular team, it is a PROPER NOUN.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.K.1B

Spaghetti and meatballs is my favorite thing to order at Olive Garden.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

Spaghett and meatballs does not need to be capitalized since it is a COMMON NOUN. It sounds like a specific food item, but it doesn't need to be capitalized.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.K.1B

He led a troop of kindergarten students to the lunch room.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

Think of the words troop and group like the word bunch, which refers to a number of things (in this case, people).

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.1.1B

CCSS.L.K.1B