Proper Nouns | Understanding the significance and usage

Nouns | An overview

Nouns are one of the most vital parts of speech in the English language, which is why it is essential to understand them thoroughly if you want to master the English language. Nouns can be divided into two categories: common and proper nouns. The common nouns are totally non-specific in nature, but the proper nouns are used to signify the name of a specified person, object, etc., which is why a capital letter is used while writing the proper noun. 

The definition of a proper noun 

Proper nouns are the nouns that define the names of distinct persons, languages, brands, nationalities, dates, months, films, places, songs and events with historical significance, etc. These nouns are differentiated from common nouns by capitalizing the first letter. 

Some examples of proper nouns 

Some instances of proper nouns are mentioned below:

• Places: Netherlands, Paris, Oklahoma, New York City, Mumbai, London, Juhu Beach, Narendrapur Ramakrishna Mission 
• People: Jawaharlal Nehru, APJ Abul Kalam Azad, Homi Jehangir Bhaba, Sachin Tendulkar, Lionel Messi, Roger Federer 
• Language: English, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Spanish, French 
• Nationalities: Indian, Pakistani, Turkish, Chinese, Russian 
• Days: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Wednesday, Friday, and Thursday 
• Months: January, March, December, April, November, August, July 
• Films: The Godfather, Black Panther, John Wick, Kal Ho Naa Ho 

Proper nouns vs. common nouns

If you do not know what proper nouns are, then it can be confusing for you to differentiate between proper nouns and common nouns. While differentiating between the both, you need to remember that common nouns are generally very broad in nature. They can refer to a wide range of things, and multiple types of products or objects can be found in the same name —for example, a pencil, a scooter, a fridge, a bicycle, etc. 

On the other hand, proper nouns are extremely specific in nature, and you will not be able to find anything that is equal or similar to it. For example, there is only one A R Rahman, there is only one Sun, one Moon, there is only one Paris, there is only one Mount Everest, there is only one Lionel Messi, there is only one Sachin Tendulkar, etc.

Rules of capitalization for proper nouns with examples 

Before we understand the rule of capitalization for proper nouns, we need to remember that it is only applicable when it comes to written communication or in our writings because when we speak, we use our voice modulations, tone of speech, pauses, and pronunciation of words to make sense. 

In writing, the use of capitalization or capital letters denotes emphasis on whatever you are currently writing. However, when it comes to professional writing, things are very different, and that is why we need to follow specific capitalization rules. The following rules of capitalization associated with proper nouns play an important role in improving your writing’s readability: 

• If directions are being used as part of a particular place, then they should be capitalized. For example, If you enjoy tradition, then you should visit North Kolkata, Kerala is located in Southern India. 
• You need to capitalize the relationship between two people if the word is used to denote a particular person’s name. For instance, Did you know that Mom won a free trip to London? 
• Always use capital letters while writing the name of the months and days. For example, Our school will open on Monday; I have a day off on Thursday; My brother was born in August. 
• Although there is no need to use capital letters when writing the name of the seasons separately, they need to be capitalized when used as a proper name. For example, There are different authors included in the collection of poems titled ‘The Autumn Leaf.’ 
• The professions and job titles can be written individually without capitalization, but when used with a person’s name, they need to be capitalized. For example, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Saudi Arabia. 
• It is important to use capital letters when writing the name of a country or nationality of an individual. This is because they are considered proper nouns referring to a particular person or ethnicity. Capitalizing these names gives them the importance and recognition they deserve. For instance, the British have colonized many countries worldwide, and I have plans to travel to London for business next month.
• While using brand names, always use capital letters. For example, I love Nike sneakers; He wants to purchase a watch made by Rolex. 
• When you write the name of a language, it is essential to capitalize the first letter. It is also important to understand that a language may have different styles and dialects, but its foundation remains unchanged. English, for instance, has diverse dialects, including British English and American English, among others, but their fundamental principles remain consistent. For example, Maya is fluent in Spanish, English, and Hindi.

Key takeaways 

• The noun is an extremely important part of speech, and there are different types of nouns. The most popular among them are common nouns and proper nouns. 
• Proper nouns are the signifiers of specific things and objects that are indistinguishable in nature. 
• To differentiate between proper nouns and common nouns, capital letters are used while writing proper nouns. 
• Some examples of proper nouns include Netaji Subhash Chandrabose, Sun, Moon, Atlantic Ocean, Kashmir, Delhi, Iceland, etc. 

If you want to have better educational and career opportunities, you need a complete mastery of the English language, hence it is essential to understand all the rules of English. And to help you with that, our experts are always there to solve any of your problems.

Like this blog? Read next: Top 10 rules of nouns to improve your English!

FAQs 

Question 1: Why do proper nouns need to be capitalized? 

Answer: The proper noun needs to be capitalized when we are writing or constructing a sentence, regardless of its position in the sentence. This capitalization rule while constructing a sentence is important because it specifies the name of the object we are discussing. 

Question 2: Why is it important to know proper nouns? 

Answer: It is essential to use proper nouns correctly in your writing since they allow you to identify specific people, places, and things that you are referring to and ensure your readers understand exactly what you are talking about.

Question 3: Are directions capitalized? 

Answer: Directions are capitalized when they are part of a proper noun, for example, North Kolkata. Or, they are capitalized when talking about specific geographical areas, for example, the North region of the US.