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Oct 26

The Middle Eastern bazaar was bizarre

Posted on Monday, October 26, 2009 in Capitalization, Incorrect word usage

bazaar, bizarre
bazaar means a marketplace
bizarre means strangely unconventional

be, bee
be means to exist
bee means an insect

beach, beech
beach means a sandy shore
beech means a type of tree

Aug 6

Did Grandpa Bill have a grandma?

Posted on Thursday, August 6, 2009 in Capitalization

When to capitalize family names such as, Grandma, Grandpa, Mother, Father, Uncle.

Capitalize grandpa when it substitutes for the real name:
  Let’s go to Grandpa’s farm today.

Capitalize grandpa when followed by a name:
  Let’s go see Grandpa Bill.

Do not capitalize grandpa when it could refer to anyone:
  There are many grandpas at the retirement home.

Do not capitalize grandpa when preceded by a pronoun:
  I will go see my grandpa today.