Common Nouns

Does it refer to a general person, place, thing, or idea?
- If it is not a specific name, it is likely a common noun (e.g., "city," "dog," "book").
Does it start with a lowercase letter (unless at the beginning of a sentence)?
- Unlike proper nouns, common nouns do not require capitalization (e.g., "river" vs. "Amazon River").
Can it be preceded by articles (a, an, the)?
- If you can say "a car" or "the teacher," it is a common noun.
Can it be pluralized?
- Many common nouns have plural forms (e.g., "chairs," "apples," "computers").
Is it a general category rather than a unique name?
- "Mountain" is common, while "Mount Everest" is proper.

The boy played outside until it got dark.
Person: boy – not a specific name like Jack or Leo.
The city was crowded with tourists.
Place: city – not a specific one like New York.
She put the groceries on the table.
Thing: table – not a unique, named object.
We need milk and bread for breakfast.
Thing: milk, bread – food items are often common nouns.
Love is an important part of life.
Idea: love – abstract concepts can be common nouns.
My little sister is afraid of dogs.
Animal: dogs – general category, not a specific dog like "Buddy."
We have an early meeting tomorrow morning.
Event: meeting – not a specific meeting like "Board Meeting 2024."
There was a long line at the restaurant.
Place: restaurant – not a specific one like "Olive Garden."
She packed her clothes in a suitcase.
Thing: suitcase – general object, not a specific brand like "Samsonite."
The teacher wrote the lesson on the board.
Thing: board – classroom object, not a specific brand or name.