Common and Proper Nouns — Answer Key
Part A: Sort the Words
Sort each word or number into the correct category box.
1. Read each word. Sort it into the correct group: common noun or proper noun.
Common Noun
dogschoolcity Proper Noun
FluffyLincoln ElementaryNew York Common nouns (dog, school, city) name any person, place, or thing. Proper nouns (Fluffy, Lincoln Elementary, New York) name one specific person, place, or thing and start with a capital letter.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A common noun names any person, place, or thing.
A common noun names any person, place, or thing without being specific.
2. A proper noun names one special person, place, or thing.
A proper noun names one special person, place, or thing and starts with a capital letter.
3. Proper nouns always begin with a capital letter.
Proper nouns must begin with a capital letter to show they name something specific.
4. The word "cat" is a common noun because it names any cat.
Cat is a common noun because it does not name one specific cat.
5. The name "Sam" is a proper noun because it names one special person.
Sam is a proper noun because it is the specific name of one person.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. A proper noun always starts with a capital letter.
True False
This is true because proper nouns always start with a capital letter.
2. The word "park" is a proper noun.
True False
This is false because park names any park, so it is a common noun.
3. Days of the week are proper nouns.
True False
This is true because each day of the week has a specific name that starts with a capital letter.
4. A common noun names one specific person or place.
True False
This is false because a common noun names any person, place, or thing, not one specific one.