Hello, I'm a language expert with a deep understanding of English grammar and usage. I'm here to help clarify your question about the use of "doctor" as a proper noun.
First, let's define what a proper noun is. A proper noun is a noun that represents a unique entity, such as a person, place, organization, or idea. Proper nouns are always capitalized in English. For example, "John" is a proper noun because it refers to a specific person. "Paris" is a proper noun because it refers to a specific city.
Now, let's consider the word "doctor." When "doctor" is used as a general term to refer to any member of the medical profession, it is a common noun and is not capitalized. For example, "Doctors are important for public health."
However, when "doctor" is used to refer to a specific person who is a member of the medical profession, it can function as a proper noun. This is especially true when it is used as a title or part of a name. For example, "Doctor Smith will see you now" or "I saw Doctor Jones for my appointment." In these cases, "Doctor" is capitalized because it is being used to refer to a specific person.
The key factor in determining whether "doctor" should be treated as a proper noun is the context in which it is used. If "doctor" is used to refer to a specific individual, it should be capitalized and treated as a proper noun. If it is used to refer to the profession in general, it should not be capitalized and is a common noun.
Now, let's consider the example you provided: "The doctor will see you now even though he doesn't really want to." In this sentence, "doctor" is used to refer to a specific person who is a member of the medical profession. Therefore, it should be capitalized and treated as a proper noun.
In summary, whether "doctor" is a proper noun depends on the context in which it is used. If it is used to refer to a specific person, it is a proper noun and should be capitalized. If it is used to refer to the profession in general, it is a common noun and should not be capitalized.
I hope this explanation helps clarify the use of "doctor" as a proper noun. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
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