But almost every time I see a direct address in my e-mail in-box, it has no comma before the name. If the name is not the last word in the sentence then a comma should follow it also. In English, when you address someone (or something) directly, the name you use is offset with a comma (if it's at the start or end of the sentence) or two commas (if it's in the middle ). We use commas to show that we are talking to the reader, not about the reader.. Hello, Rene. Answer: Yes, you need to use a comma between the person’s name and the greeting. [I]n formal writing, direct address takes a comma before the person’s name. The same rules apply for titles. 6. (But see exceptions below.) When you address someone directly, their name is said to be in the vocative case. USE A COMMA TO INDICATE DIRECT ADDRESS. But direct address can occur anywhere in a sentence. The sentence still works grammatically, but we do not know which spacecraft the sentence is referring to. Here are some clues to help you decide whether the sentence element is essential: One could argue, however, that e-mails aren’t formal, and that there’s little harm in streamlining for the sake of efficiency. 3. There are more usages of a comma, for example, how adding or removing comma before and after a name changes the meaning of the sentence — In this Grammar.com article let us understand how to correctly use commas with names. 1. We use commas while combining multiple phrases in one sentence or writing about different items in a list. Also use a comma after a city-state combination within a sentence. Congratulations, Michael! Rule: When a speaker in a sentence names the person to whom he is speaking, this addressing of his audience is called direct address. Dude, that’s awesome. I hope you know, Donelle, that we appreciate your hard work. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Danny, thank you for your thoughtful message. Again, no sense = no commas. The reason is "direct address." Goodbye, Norma Jean. Define vocative comma: the definition of the vocative comma is the comma used in the vocative case when addressing someone or something. Direct address is indicated by the use of a comma or commas, depending upon its placement within the sentence. In all the examples of direct address above, we’ve put the name of the person being addressed at the end of the sentence, like in the following: Here is the cake you ordered , Simon. If they're at the end or beginning of a sentence, of course, the period at the end of the sentence precludes the need for a second comma. The name is therefore essential, meaning that no commas should be used. Nicole Fornabaio/rd.com, shutterstock . Use a comma for direct address. Now be very, very careful. In the examples below, the words in the vocative case are shaded: Example: I’m going to the beach today, Mom. 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