What is a Common Noun?

(i) COMMON NOUN

DEFINITION
A common noun is the word used for a class of person, place, thing or idea.
EXAMPLES

• mother, student, child, teacher, man (names for people)
• lion, bear, dog, cat, bird (names for animals)
• city, country, restaurant, park, zoo (names for places) 
• table, book, pencil, computer, coat (names for things) 
• envy, love, hate, respect, pride (names for ideas) 

EXERCISE

Identify the Common Nouns in the following sentences. 

(i) We arrived early at the station.

(ii) There are different species of fish.

(iii) The man was trying to steal his car.

(iv) My mother is in the kitchen.

(v) The children are playing in the field. 

(vi) He has bought a new car.

(vii) She won a trophy in a competition.

(viii) I like to ride on a camel.

(ix) He went to visit his uncle.

(x) They boys are playing noisily. 

ANSWERS
 (i) station (ii) fish (iii) man, car (iv) mother, kitchen (v) children, field (vi) car (vii) trophy (viii) camel (ix) uncle  (x) boys