Before discussing the usage of commas, first let’s talk about the nouns of direct address and how to use them correctly.
Nouns Of Direct Address:
Simply put, nouns of direct address are nouns that name the person being addressed or spoken to.
The Vocative Case Noun And The Vocative Comma:
We use commas to offset the nouns of direct address to show that nouns of direct address are separate from the rest of the sentence. These nouns of direct address are called Vocative Case Nouns and the comma used to offset the nouns of direct address is called The Vocative Comma.
Using Commas – Examples With Explanation:
Let’s look at these examples:
01. Can you help me, Teacher?
Explanation: Since the noun of direct address (the vocative case noun) “Teacher” comes at the end of the sentence, we use a comma (the vocative comma) before the direct address.
02. Teacher, can you help me?
Explanation: Since the direct address (the vocative case noun) “Teacher” is at the beginning of the sentence, we use a comma (the vocative comma) after the direct address.
03. Can you, Teacher, help me?
Explanation: we can see the direct address (the vocative case noun) is in the middle of the sentence, we use a pair of commas (the vocative comma) before and after the direct address.
Note: Placing the vocative commas indicates that the direct address is separate from the subject or object of the sentence.
Consider another common example.
Let’s eat Grandma. [incorrect]
Let’s eat, Grandma. [correct]
Explanation: The direct address is Grandma and you can see the vocative comma is placed right before the direct address because the direct address has been used at the end of the sentence.
Grandma let’s eat. [incorrect]
Grandma, let’s eat. [correct]
Explanation: The direct address ‘Grandma’ is at the beginning of the sentence, so you need to use a comma after it.
Notice the titles have been capitalized here. It is because, when you use an occupation/title in direct address (instead of the addressee’s name) you need to capitalize it.
Using Commas – Conclusion:
When using the direct address (the vocative case noun), be it the addressee’s name or title, you need to use the vocative comma to separate the person’s name or title from the rest of the sentence.
Suggested Books To Learn Grammar:
To up your grammar game, here are five most popular books for you to improve your English grammar:
- Practical English Usage
- Longman Student Grammar of Spoken and Written English
- An A-Z of English Grammar & Usage
- The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation
- English Grammar in Use Book with Answer