When do i capitalize dad and mom

To make things simpler, think of these words like nicknames. If you are using these words to refer to your parents as you would by using their actual names, then they will be capitalized. These examples clearly illustrate the adequate use of the words under the rule. To understand this rule better, consider the example shown below:. According to the rule, whenever these words are being used with a pronoun, then they are to be treated as a common noun. This is one of the most basic grammatical rules and even applies here as well.

For example,. However, it is important to remember the fact that even if these words were not placed at the beginning, they would still be capitalized because they are being used as proper nouns. For example. Gracie asked her mom if she could go to the mall after finishing her homework. I asked my dad if I could borrow his car the day after the crash. Lorraine wondered what her grandmother had been up to.

When quoting a conversation, simply think about whether that person is being directly addressed in the conversation. Real-time suggestions, wherever you write. If you would like to listen to the audio, please use Google Chrome or Firefox. About the Author. Follow Facebook Linkedin Pinterest. Subscribe Podcast Spotify Google Stitcher. You May Also Like Are Region Names Capitalized?

Grandpa Tom is getting a bit deaf. It is easy to tell when not to use a capital letter. If the word uses a possessive pronoun or an article before it, it is a common noun. I am sure I saw your dad today at the hardware store. Do you know if your uncle can come to the wedding? Oh boy, I am really looking forward to being a dad! In the sentences above, it is impossible to replace the titles with a name. I am sure I saw your Steve dad today at the hardware store.

My Mildred mom always calls me on Sunday morning. Do you know if your Joe uncle can come to the wedding? Oh boy, I am really looking forward to being a Steve dad! But a good tip is to refresh your knowledge of the basic parts of speech. In this case, with words such as mom and dad, understanding the difference in the types of nouns will help you. However, if you are in doubt, you should use a reliable grammar checker to help you make the best decisions. My days are spent writing and blogging, as well as testing and taming new technology.