The use of proper Noun - SS1 English Lesson Note

Proper  nouns can be used to refer to specific places and people in Nigeria. For example, Lagos, Abuja, and Kano are all proper nouns that refer to specific cities in Nigeria. The names of Nigerian leaders, such as President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, are also proper nouns. Similarly, the names of famous Nigerian musicians, such as Wizkid and Burna Boy, are proper nouns.

Using proper nouns correctly is important for effective communication and clarity in writing. When writing about specific people, places, events, or organizations, it is important to use their proper names to avoid confusion. For example, if a student is writing about the capital of Nigeria, they should use "Abuja" rather than "the capital" or "the city." Similarly, if they are writing about a specific Nigerian musician, they should use the proper name, such as "Burna Boy," rather than a generic term like "singer." 

The definite article "the" can be used with a proper noun to refer to a specific instance of that noun.

NOTE

Using “the” with proper nouns.

Rivers, dams, canals

The river Niger, the River Benue, the Panama canal, the Kanji Dam

Oceans, seas and groups of islands

The Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Mediterranean sea,  the Bight of Benin

Geographical features

The Alps, the Jos Plateau, the Adamawa Highlands, the Rift Valley

Some countries or group of countries joined by treaty

The United States of America (the USA), the Russian Federation, The African Union, the United Kingdom.

Ships

The Titanic, The Herbert ‘Macaulay’

Some organisations

The Ministry of Health, the University of Ife, the University of Port Harcout, the Super Eagles, the Roman Catholic Church.

Plural names

The Ketebus, the Ibe-Okoyes, the Anirehs, Betikus, the , the Wokomas, the Ewaifos, the Gombas.

Personal titles

The Queen of England, the Ooni of Ife, the Oba of Benin, the Olu of Warri.