10 Proper Noun Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

ElevatEd
English
February 14, 2025

Nouns are one of the most basic yet significant parts of English grammar. If anyone wants to enhance their verbal and writing skills, they need to get the nouns right. Nouns describe a person or an object. Noun is widely divided into proper noun and common noun. A proper noun is specific and describes a particular person or object while common nouns are generic and are used to describe a type or category. We at 98thPercentile ensure teaching the grammar basics to every child enrolled in our ELA program so that they never get confuse and talk and write confidently without having to worry.

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The names of particular persons, locations, or objects are known as proper nouns. They differ from common nouns in that they start with capital letters. Proper nouns frequently result in writing errors, despite their significance in communication. To keep your writing flawless, let's analyze what proper nouns are and how to steer clear of typical errors.

Describe a Proper Noun

Proper nouns, like Tina, Rome, or Meta are used to name distinct entities. Regardless of where they appear in a sentence, they always begin with a capital letter. Writing effectively requires the ability to recognize proper nouns, which shows attention to detail and adherence to grammar rules. This is what we aim for at 98thPercetile's ELA program. Check it out now.

10 Typical Proper Noun Errors and Their Fixes

Let’s check out some common mistakes we make while writing proper nouns and get a solution for them-

Ignoring capitalization
Error: I met him in january.
Fix: Proper nouns should always be capitalized, whether in headers or titles. So, it will be January since it’s the name of a specific month.

Putting Common Nouns in Capital
Error: The Park was closed.
Fix: Capitalize only certain names, such as "Central Park." Common nouns are not to be capitalized if they are not starting a sentence.

Putting Brand Names in Lowercase
Error: I want to buy shoes from nike.
Fix: Verify brand names for correct spelling twice and always start with a capital letter.

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Changing Titles
Error: I will meet Doctor smith.
Fix: Write Doctor Smith or Dr. Smith coz it implies a specific person with a specific title.

Incorrect Geographical names
Error: I climbed the mount Everest.
Fix: Remember to treat the entire name as a proper noun. It should be Mount Everest.

Inaccurate Nationalities
Error: I am in the mood for some french food.
Fix: it has to be French food as the French are people from a particular nation.

Disregarding Family Titles
Error: Will Aunt mary come?
Fix: It will be Aunt Mary as the title and the name both are important and when combined are proper nouns.

Capitalizing After Hyphens
Error: I like knowing about the Pre-Historic era.
Fix: It will be Pre-historic since the hyphen indicates it’s still part of the same word.

Incorrect Months or Days
Error: Today is monday, not tuesday.
Fix: Monday and Tuesday are the names of the days of the week which are specific. They are proper nouns so need to start with a capital letter.

Combining Common and Proper Nouns

Error: I went to see the Empire state building.
Fix: It will be the Empire State Building since it is a famous landmark. All the words in the name will start with a capital letter.

Although proper nouns appear straightforward, errors are frequent. We realize this at 98thPercentile and work towards making it right with various innovative methods. You can guarantee professionalism and clarity in your writing by being aware of their guidelines and practicing frequently. Keep in mind that little adjustments have a significant impact. Remember to identify a proper noun and use correct writing methods like omitting capitalization when it comes to articles and prepositions within a proper noun. To learn and identify proper nouns and more, join our ELA program and take our 1-week free trial classes now. Visit www.98thpercentile.com now.