Let’s talk about formatting familial names in fiction!

Mom? My mom? Your mom? What about Dad? What!

When do we capitalize familial names like mom, dad, grandpa, uncle, etc.? How do we know? This topic is actually pretty easy once you understand the reasoning for how it’s done. So let’s talk about it!

Do you capitalize familial names?

Short answer: yes, but also no. It depends!

Are you referring to a person by their familial name in place of their actual name? Then, yes!

• My mom’s name is Linda. I just call her Mom.

Are you speaking indirectly about the family member or speaking about someone else’s family member? Then, no!

• Your grandma is so nice! I told my brother, “I wish Grandma was as nice as Jim’s grandma.”

Some “yes” examples:

• Hey, Mom. Did you buy soap?
• Did you check on Dad?
• Let’s go to Grandma’s house.
• Uncle Allen has a cool car.

Some “no” examples:

• My mom said I can’t come over.
• Your grandma makes the best cookies.
• Do all dads cook breakfast?
• I saw your aunt today.

What about Commas with familial names?

Okay, so now we know when to capitalize and when not to capitalize a familial name. But what about using commas with their name? Hey, Mom? Hey Mom?

Use a comma when speaking directly to someone using their familial name, or when listing names.

Don’t use a comma when speaking indirectly about someone using their familial name, in the general sense, or when speaking of one’s relation to someone else.

Let’s look at some examples of when to use commas:

• How was work, Dad?
• Hey, Grandma. How are you?
• Did you see Mom, Aunt Edna, and Grandma at the store?

Some examples of when not to use commas:

• I went to my uncle’s for the summer.
• Did you know our grandmas are friends?
• Moms are always looking out for us.

Questions?

Still have questions about familial names in fiction writing? Other questions about writing or editing? Let me know! Send an email to vanessa@boundforperfection.com and let’s chat.