Proper Nouns


Rule 7.1: Do not use the indefinite article or the definite article with proper nouns


Correct: Maggie visited France last year.
Incorrect: Maggie visited a France last year.


Correct: Spider-Man has enviable superpowers.
Incorrect: The Spider-Man has enviable superpowers.


Proper Nouns vs. Common Nouns


A proper noun is the name of a person, place, or thing. Proper nouns always begin with a capital letter. The name of the person who made this website; Marcus, can serve as an example of a proper noun.

A common noun refers to a person, place, or thing. The man who made this website can serve as an example of a common noun. Common nouns can take either the indefinite article, the definite article and/or be pluralized.

Below are more examples of proper nouns and the common nouns that are associated with them.


Proper Noun

Animal Farm
Korea
Madonna
New York
Walmart

Common Noun

book
country
singer
city
store


[WpProQuiz 96]
[WpProQuiz 97]