Comparison: Common Noun Vs Proper Noun. A proper noun is a specific (i.e., not generic) name for a particular person, place, or thing. Proper nouns are always capitalized in English, ...

Now, let’s talk about proper and common nouns. A proper noun is the name of a specific person, place, or thing. Proper nouns always begin with a capital letter.

That’s a proper noun. Leroy. And so is Lizard Monster, that’s what I am. Leroy the Lizard Monster! I live in a tree. That is a common noun. And I love sleeping in my bed. Bed! That’s also a ...

To form the possessive of a noun that ends in S, AP style has separate rules for proper names and generic nouns. For proper names like James, AP says, add an apostrophe only: He borrowed James’ car.