The Difference Between Common and Proper Nouns

Khan Academy

This concise grammar tutorial explains the fundamental difference between common and proper nouns using a clear visual chart and relatable examples. The narrator breaks down the concept into a simple distinction: common nouns refer to general things, while proper nouns act as specific names for those things. Through side-by-side comparisons like "city/Chicago" and "frog/Kermit," the video illustrates the continuum from generic to specific. The video also addresses the crucial mechanics of capitalization associated with these noun types. It explicitly demonstrates the rule that proper nouns are always capitalized, whereas common nouns are only capitalized when they begin a sentence. The narrator provides written sentence examples to show this rule in action, correcting capitalization errors in real-time to model proofreading skills. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent introduction or review of noun types and capitalization rules. It is visually simple, focusing the viewer's attention on the text and the concept of specific vs. general naming conventions. The video supports literacy development by linking grammar concepts to writing mechanics, helping students understand not just what nouns are, but how to treat them correctly in their own writing.