Curious!

[whitehorses]

Just a quick question to everyone. I noticed on someones feedback to 'Little Horrors' one of this months winning stories that they commented on the fact that the author had used capital letters for Father and Grandfather and that this was an error. I always use capital letters for these words, I remember being taught at school that the names Father and Grandfather are titles therefore start with capital letters . Or have I been doing it wrong for the last thirty odd years. Be interesting to hear what everyone else thinks.

[princessdreamer44]

You can use caps when used like this: Me and Father went to dinner.
but not when used like this: My father and mother are divorced.

or: Grandmother and I like to watch opera together. My grandmother likes to knit.

I used to use caps and you're probably right that its the way it used to be taught but this is how I so it now. Hope thats helped a little and not just confused you more!

[Waylander]

I think it's also right to say, "Hello, Grandfather Tom", whereas, I said hello to my grandfather.  Or perhaps another example :-

General Smith was in command.  But

A general was in command.

In other words if you're addressing them by their name and title or addressing them directly, it's a capital letter.

Clear as perspex!

[steven the git]

Yes, as everyone says, if you use it like you would a name, then caps. Otherwise not. It is a tricky one and I've often spotted inconsistency in books when someone does both.