ChanteSez … Make Dad’s day

You’ve got a few days, but Father’s Day will be here before we know it. I was asked to write a couple of paragraphs about fathers recently, and it was tough to keep it brief considering how much I love and appreciate my dad.

Before we get to that, here’s a rule that applies to dads (and moms).

If “Dad” is his name, capitalize it all the same.

My father’s name is Ronald. That’s a proper noun. My mom’s name is Cynthia. Same deal — since their names are proper nouns, they’re capitalized.

And in the example above, because you’re using “Dad” as his name, it’s capitalized.

Try this: Replace “mom” or “dad” with their real names. If it fits, capitalize it.

I went to my dad’s house for breakfast — his pancakes are the best!

My mom and I talk at least once a week — when I can get her to answer her phone!

If there’s one thing Dad believes in, it is learning.

I thought I was good at putting together a quick dinner, but Mom is the master chef.

Chante Sez … What in the world?

Mercury retrograde is almost over, folks. Feb. 28, here we come. But with the planets in mind, this week’s tip is about Earth. What in the world is the difference between Earth capitalized, and lower-case earth?

Here’s how to remember it: In reference to the planet Earth, it gets a big “e,” just like the planet is big.

  • Earth = the planet. It’s a proper noun, just like your name, or the city you live in.
  • earth = the stuff that plants call home, aka dirt, good soil, etc.

Here are a few examples:

Welcome to Earth. (As we greet aliens, of course.)

“I felt the earth move under my feet.”

What on Earth were you thinking?

I like him because he’s down to earth.