Question

Identify the types of nouns present in the following sentence.
The Portuguese were the first to reach India.

A. Portuguese, India – common noun
B. Portuguese, India – proper noun
C. Portuguese – proper noun, India – common noun
D. Portuguese – common noun, India – proper noun

Answer 1

Hint: Common nouns refers to those types of noun that are used for a group or collectively for many people or things, whereas proper nouns refer to those nouns that are used to denote a specific place, thing or person.

Complete answer:
In this case, we will analyze each option and determine the correct ones on the basis of the definition given in the hint.

> Starting with option A, both Portuguese and India are referred to as a common noun. But since both the terms are not used to denote some group or collection. Therefore, this option will be incorrect.

> As per the option B, both Portuguese and India are proper nouns. Since both the words represent specific person and place, therefore, both the words are proper nouns. This means, option B can be possibly correct.

> Under option C, Portuguese is regarded as a proper noun which is correct because it denotes a specific person. But India is included under a common noun which is incorrect as the word refers to a specific country. Therefore, option C will be incorrect.

> According to option D, Portuguese is a common noun which is again incorrect because Portuguese refers to a specific person or language and India is a proper noun which is correct as it refers to a specific country. But one part of this option is incorrect, therefore, option D is not the correct answer.

Thus, option B is the correct answer.

Note: In such questions, both parts given in the options should be carefully studied to avoid mistakes.