Vocative case and commas

What is the Vocative Case?

• I'll see you next Tuesday, Alan.
(Alan is being addressed. His name must be separated from the rest of the sentence with a comma. The word Alan is said to be in the vocative case.)
(Vocative stems from the word vocal.)


• ... and that, your Honour, is the case for the Prosecution.
(The judge is being addressed as your Honour. These words are in the vocative case and must be separated from the rest of the sentence with commas.)

• Lee, you would know all about that wouldn't you, you little adventurer?
(Lee is being addressed by his name and as you little adventurer. Both Lee and you little adventurer are in the vocative case.)

• ...and that was the end of the monster Dick.
(Dick should be preceded by a comma as Dick is being addressed.)

Anything Can Be in the Vocative Case

• Ollie, fetch the stick like a good dog.
(Ollie is being addressed – comma used)


• You are my favourite car, you little beauty.
(car being addressed directly as you little beauty – comma used)

• To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness. (Oscar Wilde)
(Mr Worthing being addressed directly – commas used)

• Dammit, sir, it is your duty to get married. You can't be always living for pleasure. (Oscar Wilde)
(Someone being addressed directly as sir – commas used)