Commas in Direct Address (1)

When addressing someone directly, use a comma to offset the person's name. If the name comes first, it is followed by a comma:

• Bill, it's getting late.
• Mom, I'm going out now.
• Lisa, please come back.

If the name comes at the end of the sentence, the comma precedes the name:

• How are you, Mother?
• Please come again, Uncle Bill.
• Happy anniversary, Mark!

And if the name comes in the middle of the sentence, surround it with commas:

• Thank you, Susan, for saving my life.
• I am waiting, Paula, for your answer to my question.
• Tell me, Carl, how do you like your new job?

This rule holds true for titles and other terms used in direct address:

• It was a pleasure to meet you, sir.
• Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?
• Children, please stop jumping on the bed!
• Listen up, girls and boys!
• Well, folks, we better get going.

Instructions for the Quiz

Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly.

Quiz