Which rule best describes when to capitalize family titles like Mom?

Which rule best describes when to capitalize family titles like Mom?

• A. Always capitalize family titles.
• B. Capitalize family titles only when used as a proper noun or direct address.
• C. Never capitalize family titles.
• D. Capitalize only if it's at the start of a sentence.

Answer: (B)

Capitalizing family titles comes from treating them as names or as direct forms of address. When you’re talking to a specific person or naming that person, the title acts like a proper noun and gets a capital letter. For example, you would say “I asked Mom for advice” or “Mom, could you help me?” because you’re referring to a particular person and/or speaking directly to them. When you use the term in a general sense, referring to a mother in a non-specific way, it stays lowercase, as in “My mom helps with the project.” The rule is not about starting a sentence; capitalization in the middle of a sentence can still happen if you’re using the title as a proper noun or in direct address. That’s why the best choice is the one that says capitalize only when used as a proper noun or direct address.

Capitalizing family titles comes from treating them as names or as direct forms of address. When you’re talking to a specific person or naming that person, the title acts like a proper noun and gets a capital letter. For example, you would say “I asked Mom for advice” or “Mom, could you help me?” because you’re referring to a particular person and/or speaking directly to them. When you use the term in a general sense, referring to a mother in a non-specific way, it stays lowercase, as in “My mom helps with the project.” The rule is not about starting a sentence; capitalization in the middle of a sentence can still happen if you’re using the title as a proper noun or in direct address. That’s why the best choice is the one that says capitalize only when used as a proper noun or direct address.