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Commas for Direct Address (the Vocative Case)
The Quick Answer
When addressing a person or thing directly, the name used must be offset with a comma (or commas if it's mid-sentence). For example:- Jackie, are you leaving so soon?
- I suspect, Michael, that you know the answer.


Commas for Direct Address (i.e., the Vocative Case)
When addressing someone directly, writers should separate the name being used (e.g., "John," "Mary," "my darling," "you little rascal," "my son") from rest of the sentence using a comma or commas.The person or thing being addressed is said to be in the vocative case.
Examples of Commas Used for Direct Address
In each example below, the person or thing being addressed directly (i.e., the thing in the vocative case) is shaded:- Alan, put your hand up if you do not understand.
- Where do you think you are going, you little devil?
- Absolutely, John, get your skates on.
Commas with "Hi," "Hello," and "Dear"
Commas should be used as follows at the start of correspondence such as letters and emails:Dear John, Thank you for your support. Blah blah... (Here, "Dear John" is in the vocative case.) |
Hi, John, Thank you for your support. Blah blah... (Here, "John" is in the vocative case.) |
Hello, John, Thank you for your support. Blah blah... (Here, "John" is in the vocative case.) |
Interactive Exercise
Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?