English capitalization rules: When to capitalize (Continuation)

 

English capitalization rules: When to capitalize (Continuation)

Words that are sometimes capitalized

Family titles

The capitalization of family titles is a confusing topic. Family titles like mom or uncle can be either proper nouns or common nouns. In short, capitalize them when they’re used as proper nouns but lowercase them when they’re used as common nouns.

I have to ask my dad.

Can I go to the movies, Dad?

When family titles are used as common nouns, there is usually an article (the, a, an) or a possessive noun (my, your, our, etc.) in front of them. If you see an article or a possessive noun, it means keep the family title lowercase.

My uncle hates when I call him Uncle Joe because it makes him feel old.

AUTHOR

Dr L Suresh

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore - 641020

Contact: 9944138137

e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in