Nouns: Common and Proper — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank and True or False
Write the missing word or circle True or False.
1. A noun is a word that names a person, place, or thing.
A noun names a person, place, or thing. The three main categories a noun can belong to are person, place, and thing.
2. The word 'dog' is a common noun because it names any dog.
The word 'dog' is a common noun because it names any dog in general, not one specific dog with a given name.
3. The word 'Rex' is a proper noun because it names one special dog.
The word 'Rex' is a proper noun because it is the specific name given to one particular dog. Proper nouns name one special person, place, or thing.
4. Proper nouns always start with a capital letter.
Proper nouns always begin with a capital letter because they name something specific and special.
5. The word 'school' is a common noun.
The word 'school' names any school in general rather than one specific school by name, making it a common noun.
6. A noun names a person, place, thing, or animal.
True False
This is true. A noun names a person, place, thing, or animal. Animals are a type of thing that nouns can name.
7. The word 'happy' is a noun.
True False
This is false. The word 'happy' is an adjective — it describes how someone feels. Nouns name people, places, things, or animals.
8. Proper nouns begin with a capital letter.
True False
This is true. Proper nouns always begin with a capital letter because they name one specific person, place, or thing.
9. The word 'Chicago' is a common noun.
True False
This is false. 'Chicago' is a proper noun because it is the specific name of one city. It begins with a capital letter, which is a clue that it is proper.
Part B: Write the Noun Type
Write common or proper for each noun.
1. city = common noun
The word 'city' names any city in general. It is a common noun because it does not name one specific city.
2. Ms. Smith = proper noun
'Ms. Smith' is a proper noun because it is the specific name of one particular teacher. Names of people always start with a capital letter.
3. park = common noun
The word 'park' names any park in general rather than one specific named park, so it is a common noun.