A common noun names a non-specific object, person, or idea. A common noun is never capitalized.
Here are examples of common nouns: dog, house, flower, mother, father, son, happiness, love, thankfulness.
A proper noun names a specific place or person. Always capitalize a proper noun.
common noun: mother
proper noun: Mom
common noun: school
proper noun: Washington School
common noun: dog
proper noun: Spot
A common noun names a non-specific object, person, or place. A common noun is written in lower-case letters. A proper noun names a specific person or place. Capitalize a proper noun.
It’s your turn: Find one common noun and one proper noun in this sentence. Italy is a country. Did you figure it out? Good for you!