How is a proper noun distinguished from a common noun?

Answer 1

Proper nouns are the unique names of people, places, or things. Common nouns are the words for general things. Pronouns can replace proper and common nouns.

Answer 2

A proper noun is the name of a specific person, place, or thing and is always capitalized, such as "Mary," "Paris," or "Coca-Cola." A common noun, on the other hand, refers to a general person, place, or thing and is not capitalized unless it begins a sentence. Examples of common nouns include "girl," "city," and "soda."