Name:      Date:     

Grammar: Common and Proper Nouns

Practice

A common noun is the general name of a person, place, or thing. A proper noun
names a particular person, place, or thing. Proper nouns always begin with a capital
letter.

A Write common noun or proper noun to describe the underlined word.

1. Thomas Alva Edison was born in Ohio in 1847. ____________

2. He was educated at home by his mother. ____________

3. At age twelve he was a newsboy. ____________

4. Edison later worked on a train in Michigan. ____________

B Underline the common nouns and proper nouns in each sentence.

5. Edison patented over one thousand inventions.

6. Where did the busy inventor work in America?

7. The laboratory was in New Jersey.

8. His phonograph was famous in Europe.

9. Thomas Edison helped to invent movies.

C Copy the nouns you underlined in Exercise B. Write them in the correct column.
Common Nouns Proper Nouns

10. _________________ 15. _________________

11. _________________ 16. _________________

12. _________________ 17. _________________

13. _________________ 18. _________________

14. _________________ 19. _________________

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 Name:      Date:     

Grammar: Common and Proper Nouns

Assess

A Read each sentence. Write common noun or proper noun to describe each underlined
word.
1. Many tourists enjoy visiting England. ______________

2. The country has many historic sites. ______________

3. The town where Shakespeare was born is famous. ______________

4. Shakespeare’s plays are still performed there today. ______________

5. The Royal Shakespeare Company entertains audiences. ______________

6. The company often performs in Stratford-on-Avon and in London. ____________

7. On one occasion we saw a great English actor onstage.

B Underline each common noun. Circle each proper noun.

8. Many people watch the boats on the river.

9. The home of the royal family is Buckingham Palace.

10. Queen Elizabeth sometimes stays at Windsor Castle with her family.

11. There are many ancient castles located throughout England.

12. One of the busiest stations for trains is Victoria Station.

13. Fleet Street is the destination of some business travelers.

14. People often drink tea in the afternoon.

15. Many citizens of other nations respect the traditions of the English.

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