Is mother a common or proper noun?

As a linguistic expert with a deep understanding of the English language, I am well-equipped to address your question regarding the classification of the word "mother" as either a common or proper noun. The distinction between common and proper nouns is fundamental to English grammar and serves to categorize nouns based on their specificity and use within sentences.
Common nouns are general terms that refer to a category of people, places, animals, or things. They are not capitalized unless they appear at the beginning of a sentence. For instance, "dog" is a common noun because it refers to all dogs in general, not a specific dog.
Proper nouns, on the other hand, are specific names for unique entities. They are always capitalized because they refer to one-of-a-kind people, places, or things. For example, "John" is a proper noun because it refers to a specific individual.
Now, let's delve into the intricacies of the word "mother." In its most common usage, "mother" is indeed a common noun. It refers to the female parent of a person or animal, and it is used in a general sense. For example, in the sentence "His mother just turned sixty-five," "mother" is a common noun because it refers to any mother, not a specific one.
However, there are instances where "mother" can be used as a proper noun. This occurs when the word is capitalized and refers to a specific mother, often within a particular context or to a person who is uniquely identified by that title. For example, in a family setting where there are multiple generations, "Mother" might refer to the matriarch or the specific mother of the person speaking. In the sentence "Have you seen Mother today?", "Mother" is used as a proper noun because it is capitalized and likely refers to a specific individual known to the speaker and the listener.
It is important to note that the capitalization of "mother" when used as a proper noun is not a hard-and-fast rule but rather a convention that helps to clarify the intended meaning in the context it is used. This is similar to how other common nouns can be used as proper nouns when capitalized, such as "Father" when referring to a specific person's father or "Doctor" when addressing a specific doctor by their title.
In conclusion, the classification of "mother" as a common or proper noun depends on its use within a sentence and the level of specificity it conveys. When used in a general sense, it is a common noun, but when it is capitalized and refers to a specific individual, it functions as a proper noun. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective communication and the proper application of English grammar.

Many common nouns may be used as proper nouns; for example, mother is a common noun, as in --His mother just turned sixty-five--, but may be used as a proper noun, as in --Have you seen Mother today?--. As in this example, common nouns are traditionally capitalized when used as proper nouns.