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
doctorparkmonth Proper Noun
Dr. SmithCentral ParkJanuary Common nouns (doctor, park, month) name any person, place, or thing. Proper nouns (Dr. Smith, Central Park, January) name one specific person, place, or thing.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The word "teacher" is a common noun because it names any teacher.
Teacher is a common noun because it names any teacher, not a specific one.
2. The name "January" is a proper noun because it names one special month.
January is a proper noun because it is the name of one specific month.
3. Common nouns do NOT need a capital letter at the start.
Common nouns do not need a capital letter unless they start a sentence.
4. Names of people, pets, and places are proper nouns.
Names of people, pets, and places are proper nouns because they name specific things.
5. The words "boy" and "girl" are common nouns.
Boy and girl are common nouns because they name any boy or girl, not specific ones.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. The word "Monday" is a proper noun.
True False
This is true because Monday is the specific name of a day of the week.
2. Common nouns should always be capitalized.
True False
This is false because common nouns do not need a capital letter unless they start a sentence.
3. The name of your school is a proper noun.
True False
This is true because the name of a school is a specific name and therefore a proper noun.
4. The word "lake" is a proper noun.
True False
This is false because lake names any lake, so it is a common noun.