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Commas to Show the Vocative Case
Commas to Show the Vocative Case
Names that are being addressed directly are said to be in the "vocative case." When somebody is being spoken to directly, their name must be separated from the rest of the sentence with a comma (or commas). For example (vocative-case words shaded):- I'll see you next Tuesday, Alan.
- That, your Honour, is the case for the Prosecution.
- Lee, you would know all about that wouldn't you, you little adventurer?
- It was a real monster Dick.
- Here is an example from a magazine:
(As someone being addressed as "peasant," the comma is correct.)
("Vocative" stems from the word "vocal.")


Anything Can Be in the Vocative Case
Animals, even inanimate objects, can be addressed directly. They should also be separated from the rest of the sentence with commas to show they are in the vocative case. For example:- Ollie, fetch the stick like a good dog.
- You are a great car, you little beauty.
- To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.
(Playwright Oscar Wilde)
("Mr Worthing" being addressed directly.)
- Dammit, sir, it is your duty to get married. You can't be always living for pleasure.
(Playwright Oscar Wilde)
(Someone being addressed directly as "sir.")
- Here is a witty example from a sign on a farmer's gate:
(Taken literally, this sign is telling cows to keep their dogs under control.)
The "Vocative Comma" Could Be Important!
The examples below show why it is important to understand the vocative case. While both are correct, they have different meanings.- Tell us about that fruitcake. (In this example, the interviewer would like to know about a specific fruitcake.)
- Tell us about that, fruitcake. (In this example, the interviewer is addressing the interviewee as "fruitcake.")
- ...I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinski. (President Clinton could claim that he was speaking directly to Miss Lewinski, and the identification of "that woman" was between him and Miss Lewinksi.)
Did Bill Clinton use the vocative case to ensure his statement was "legally accurate"? The pause before he says "Miss Lewinski" could have been deliberate to ensure her name was put in the vocative case. Now, that's some smart legal counsel!
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?