Examples: the Following Examples Do Not Require a Comma

Commas in a Direct Address

Use a comma to separate the name of someone who is being addressed from the message.

Examples: The following examples do not require a comma:

Karen, you are my favorite cousin. Karen is my favorite cousin. I made this soup for you, Mom. I made the soup for Mom. I don’t care, Marco, what you think about my shirt. I don’t care what Marco thinks about my shirt.

All of the following sentences start or end with a name. Some do not require a comma. Some sentences start or end with the name of someone who is being told the other words in the sentence. Insert the missing commas in those sentences.

1. Cheryl and I saw the new school buses.

2. Cheryl I saw the new school buses.

3. Ryan why did you draw pictures on the kitchen wall?

4. Ryan wondered if he should draw on the wall.

5. Miss Joan are you taking your students out for recess?

6. Did you eat the cat’s food Sasha?

7. Did we remember to feed Sasha?

8. I like your painting Brian.

9. Look out the window John!

10. Open the window for John.

Insert commas in the appropriate places in the sentences below.

11. Uncle Jack can you bring me my umbrella?

12. I don’t like applesauce Dad.

13. Why don’t we go play down by the park Cory?

14. Jody Ben wants to go to the movies on Friday.

15. Where were you Grandma when the Titanic sank?