Examples: Concepts, theories, models and frameworksThe scientific study of mind and behavior is called psychology. In fact, they are usually common nouns, although they may include proper nouns (or proper adjectives), which should be capitalized. One common mistake is to assume that concepts, theories, models, and frameworks are proper nouns, and therefore capitalize them. Academic concepts are usually common nouns For example, “thermos” was originally a brand name, and therefore capitalized, but is now used more generally to refer to any vacuum flask. NoteCommon nouns representing important concepts are sometimes capitalized in a literary context to emphasize their importance (e.g., “Nature,” “Truth”).Ĭonversely, proper nouns sometimes become so general in their meaning that they turn into common nouns. There is no longer a country called East Germany.Ĭountries categorized as part of the Global South are often still in the process of industrializing. Examples: Capitalization of cardinal directionsWe’re heading to the west on the highway. But they become proper when used with a cultural or political meaning or in the name of a specific location.

The cardinal directions (north, east, south, west) are common nouns in most cases. The current archbishop of Canterbury is Archbishop Justin Welby.

Examples: Capitalization of jobs and titlesThe current president of the United States is President Biden.

In a similar way, nouns that act as titles (e.g., “president,” “archbishop,” “professor”) are capitalized only when they’re used as part of the name of someone holding that title. Examples: Capitalization of family rolesMy dad always told me to be more self-confident. But when they’re used directly as a name, without any articles or other determiners, they become proper and gain capitalization. Use the best grammar checker available to check for common mistakes in your text.įix mistakes for free Common nouns that can become proper nounsĬommon nouns can often become proper (i.e., gain capitalization) when they are used as a name, or as part of a name.įor example, nouns designating family roles, such as “dad,” are common in most cases.

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