Hello, I'm an expert in linguistics and I'm here to help you with your question about whether a mountain is a proper noun. Let's dive into the details.
Firstly, it's important to understand the difference between common and proper nouns. Common nouns are general terms for people, places, animals, or objects. They are not capitalized unless they appear at the beginning of a sentence. Proper nouns, on the other hand, are specific names for unique entities such as individuals, places, organizations, or sometimes even unique objects. They are always capitalized.
Now, let's consider the term "mountain." In its most general sense, "mountain" is a common noun. It refers to any large landform that rises prominently above its surroundings, typically having steep slopes, a relatively confined summit area, and considerable local relief. When we talk about mountains in general, we do not capitalize the term. For example, "Mountains are formed by tectonic forces."
However, when we are referring to a specific mountain or a group of mountains that has been given a unique name, then "mountain" can indeed be part of a proper noun. In this case, the name of the mountain or mountain range is capitalized because it refers to a specific entity with a distinct identity. For example, "The Rocky Mountains are a major mountain range in western North America," or "Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world."
It's also worth noting that the use of capitalization can sometimes depend on the context. For instance, if you are writing about a specific mountain that is well-known and has a proper name, you would capitalize it. But if you are using the term in a more general sense, such as talking about any mountain, then it remains lowercase.
In conclusion, whether "mountain" is considered a proper noun depends on how it is used in a sentence. If it is used as a general term, it is a common noun and not capitalized. If it is part of a proper name for a specific mountain or mountain range, it is a proper noun and should be capitalized.

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Common nouns and common adjectives are not capitalized. ... In this case, the term --mountain ranges-- is used as a descriptive common phrase, so it is not capitalized. In contrast, the term --Mountains-- in --the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains-- is capitalized because it is used as part of a proper name.read more >>