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

More about Commas for Direct Address
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 with a comma (or two commas if the name is mid-sentence).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.) |
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