Common Noun vs Proper Noun

The firefighters sprang into action.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

Firefighter is a common noun because it does not name a specific firefigher.

Her new eighth grade teacher is Mrs. Reyes.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

The word teacher here is a common noun. Mrs. Reyes is a PROPER NOUN.

We snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef on vacation last year.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

The Great Barrier Reef names a particular reef making it a PROPER noun. It is located off the coast of Australia and is of the seven wonders of the world.

Bring your iPad on the airplane with you.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

An iPad is a particular device (proper noun). Even though the "i" is not capitalized (brand name) it is still a proper noun.

She felt delight and happiness opening a letter from her father who was overseas in Iraq.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

Happiness is an emotion and even though it is specific, it is still considered a COMMON NOUN.

We are moving out of state at the end of the school year.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

The word state is a COMMON noun because it doesn't name a specific state.

Olive Garden is my favorite Italian restaurant.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

Italian is a specific nationality.

LeBron James is nearly seven feet tall and is a basketball player for the Lakers.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

The team name is the Lakers and since it names a particular team, it is a PROPER NOUN.

Spaghetti and meatballs is my favorite thing to order at Olive Garden.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

Spaghett and meatballs does not need to be capitalized since it is a COMMON NOUN. It sounds like a specific food item, but it doesn't need to be capitalized.

He led a troop of kindergarten students to the lunch room.

• common noun

• proper noun

Answer explanation

Think of the words troop and group like the word bunch, which refers to a number of things (in this case, people).