Do you put commas around "Susan?" Luckily, that friend, Jane, agreed to come over the next day. A thousand splendid suns, authored by Khaled Hosseini, is a fantastic novel. Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names. Many people learn that a comma should be placed before a name or title, but that is not entirely true. How about this. An estimated 80 percent of LLCs have a comma between their name and the LLC in many states. However, if a comma does precede Sr. or Jr., another comma must follow the entire name when it appears midsentence. Perhaps the following instance will illustrate this point. It’s now more important than ever to develop a powerful writing style. Joe, what do you know? Appositives act … It’s a bit confusing, but the difference is that dear is an adjective for John , while hi is an interjection and should be separated from the name by the comma. Incorrect: The controversy over baseball player Satchel Paige’s true date of birth was stoked by Paige’s mother Lula. (But see exceptions below.) Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, … For example, take … A: I use commas before (or after or around) names used in direct address (that is, when you’re addressing somebody), as in “Hello, Laura,” or “Rodney, welcome,” or “Honey, I’m home!” If the name is at the beginning of a sentence, you put a comma after it. If you are not sure whether commas should be placed around a name or title, try crossing the name/title out and reading the sentence in context without it. title is supposed to be italicized, too. Finally, let’s consider an instance in which only the comma after the name is necessary: I’ve always been interested in gardening, but until recently, I didn’t have room for flowers or plants. “My sister Jane is a pain.” Whether this sentence is correct or not, actually, … Hello, Rene. Hello, Nigel, Good morning, Kendra. In the main text of your written work, use a suffix that is an essential part of the name—like Jr. or a roman numeral—when you cite a person’s name in full. Who really benefits from test-optional policies. Or to … After all, most communication takes place in reports, emails, and instant messages. Hope you liked the article. Confusing. 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). In the first version of the sentence, the missing comma implies that the name Lula is essential – that is, the name must be included to necessary to specify which of Paige’s mothers the sentence is referring to. If you learned in school … There’s no single rule that applies to all situations. So although the sentence is grammatically acceptable, its meaning is not historically accurate. Egs. Before a coordinating conjunction when it separates an independent and dependent clause as an Oxford comma. In the first version of the sentence, the missing comma implies that the name, Coming in 2021: AP® Literature and Composition Guide, 2021 GMAT book updates delayed (serious printing error in Official Verbal Review). What's the difference between this question and the Case 3 example? No commas around a name or title indicate that it is essential to the meaning of a sentence – the sentence will, Commas around a name or title indicate that it is NOT essential to the meaning of a sentence  – the sentence, In the mid-nineteenth century, Susan B. Anthony and her acquaintance, Anthony and Stanton traveled across the United States and abroad, advocating for, female suffrage as well as for the abolition of slavery. This comma is no longer considered mandatory. Danny, thank you for your thoughtful … 2. ... At the end of the letter, a comma would come after the signoff and before your name: Eternally yours, Faust _____ Also on The Huffington Post: PHOTO GALLERY. In this example, the inclusion of the name Jane is useful because provides more information about the friend’s identity, but it is not actually necessary for the sentence to make sense in context. When I moved into a new house last summer, however, I was thrilled to discover that there was enough space in the yard for a garden. There is a name for the usage of a comma before and after a name: noun in apposition. Sure? The two women also edited and, or plants. Eg. In the examples below, the words in the vocative case are shaded: It takes a comma before the conjunction (and, but, or, etc. Improve your grammar, vocabulary, and writing -- and it's FREE! Apposition places two nouns side by side, usually with the second noun being more specific than the first. Here, the lack of a comma before the name indicates that it is essential – it clarifies who Jane is so that the mention of her name in the following sentence make sense. Grammarly. 4. The information and opinions expressed on The Critical Reader are the exclusive work of Erica Meltzer and are in no way affiliated with the College Board or the ACT. Correct: Al … States With The Best College Completion … Would this be correct? Correct: The controversy over baseball player Satchel Paige’s true date of birth was stoked by Paige’s mother, Lula. When placing any names at the end of a sentence, a comma must always come before it. Is the comma after girl necessary? Omitting the serial comma makes this unclear. After an initial/introductory adverb that modifies a whole sentence or independent clause. The use of the vocative comma is fairly straightforward. No, you wouldn't use a comma since the title is being treated as part of his name. Here is the text of a deleted spam … A comma before a name makes your meaning clear When you address people directly in writing, whether in the greeting or in the body of your message, and you use a name, the name must be preceded by a comma. Short answer: If you have only one cousin (or only one aunt), put commas around that person’s name.If, however, you have more than one cousin (or more than one aunt), do not use commas around the name. Correct: Al Mooney Sr. is here. While “Dear Charlie, …” is correct with just a comma after Charlie, if you go the less-formal route, it should be “Hi, Charlie,” with a comma between Hi and Charlie. https://www.grammar.com/the_correct_way_to_use_commas_with_names_and_titles. It is incorrect to place only one comma before … Use commas wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading. Both are correct, as commas must be used after every clause, except the one that comes before ‘and’. Traditionally, if a person's name is followed by Sr. or Jr., a comma follows the last name: Martin Luther King, Jr. That. QUESTION: Do you need a comma after "thank you," followed by someone's name? The states do not require or mandate the use of a comma between the title of your business and the corporation or LLC designation when naming your business. “who is a better painter than me” is incorrect. Its use has nothing to do with the name. Again, both constructions are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. The reason is "direct address." This probably the first use of commas … Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence. While a comma after the title may be correct on rare occasions (which don’t concern us here), a comma only before a name or title is wrong. You can also think of the two commas/no commas distinction in terms of one vs. many. Thanks for your vote! ): The dog barked at a cat, and the cat ran up a tree. Do not use a comma for titles that appear before the person's name, such as \"the Reverend Joe Smith\" or \"Doctor Mary Richards.\" Also do not include both a person's title, such as doctor, and their corresponding degree, such as M.D., at the same time. After a time phrase that comes before a sentence or … There are some rare exceptions though, where the ‘Oxford comma’ must be used. In a series (or list) of three or more items, you can use a comma before or, but this is a preference, not a rule. So I called my. Free APUSH 2020 PDF Guide (Larry Krieger), Why You Won’t Go to Harvard on a National Merit Scholarship. That's up to you. Do you need a comma after Director? If the sentence makes sense, you probably need the commas; if the sentence doesn’t make sense, you probably do not need the commas. Let’s start with the fact that unless a name or title is the last word (s) in a sentence, it can either be used with no commas at all, OR with a comma both before and after. Anthony and Stanton traveled across the United States and abroad, advocating for female suffrage as well as for the abolition of slavery. In addition, the mention of the friend in the next-to-last sentence (So I called a friend who had a lot more gardening experience than I did) makes it clear that the writer is talking about one specific person. The Quick Answer When addressing a person or thing directly, the name used must be offset with a comma (or commas if it's mid-sentence). Compare the following pair of sentences. In the example immediately above, the serial comma makes it clear that the writer is taking two separate economics courses next semester. ", I was looking at this as a source for my students and noticed first that "focusing" was spelled wrong, and then that you didn't capitalize all of the important words in the title of Hosseini's book. So I called my friend Jane, who had a lot more gardening experience than I did. Commas should sometimes be placed before – and after – names and titles. "My wife Susan and I founded our company in 2012." THIS was the example I was hoping to find here but did not. This happens when it is used to address a person or any other entity at the end of the sentence. When a name or a title appears at the end of a sentence, the name or title can follow either a comma or no comma. Although both versions are grammatically acceptable, only the second one creates a logical meaning. When the name appears somewhere inside the sentence, you must place a comma before and after the name. Do not place a comma before numbered suffixes: John D. Rockefeller IV Place a comma before Jr. and Sr.: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Answer: Yes, you need to use a comma between the person’s name and the greeting. Grammar.com. “who is a better painter than I” is correct because the “am” is understood. What do you know, Joe? I’ve always been interested in gardening, but until recently, I didn’t have room for flowers or plants. But there are several things to consider before choosing to use or not use a comma. Let’s start with the fact that unless a name or title is the last word(s) in a sentence, it can either be used with no commas at all, OR with a comma both before and after. It's one thing to put LLC or Inc, in your name, but is it proper to place a comma before them? If the person or thing you are addressing is named at the end of the sentence, put a comma before the name. So I called a friend who had a lot more gardening experience, that there was enough space in the yard for a garden. ‘Terry will call for you at eight, Joan.’ “We are all going by train this time, Bill.’ 3. Hi, Maria. We truly appreciate your support. Girl, have you been to Japon? Write to us your doubts and queries through comments. The choice to use or not use a comma in the LLC name is not required in any state law. The final comma in a list of items is known as an Oxford comma or serial comma. So what’s the difference between the the two correct versions? When you address someone directly, their name is said to be in the vocative case. Otherwise, no comma. In this case, however, a comma is necessary to set off the clause begun by who. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly. If it’s at the end, you put the comma in front. How I Rewired My Brain to Become Fluent in Math, Silent StopWatch (for standardized tests), The Usefulness of Brief Instruction in Reading Comprehension Strategies, What David Coleman Doesn’t Know About Literature, Why a Great Individual is Better than a Good Team. "Lily made Panna Cotta, an Italian dessert", Yep, looks fine -- just make sure to add a period at the end :-). If the person or thing you are addressing comes at the beginning of the sentence, place a comma after it. Or better yet, drop the 'The' too. Luckily, Jane said she’d come over right away. It all depends on the context. Luckily, Jane said she’d come over right away. EXCEPTION TO ANSWERS: The answers stating that a comma must follow “thank you” and precede the name, as in “Thank you, Frank” are … It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list. Whether or not you put a comma before and depends on how you’re using and. … "This would mean the speaker is telling about John to Tina (the friend). Let’s start simple. If you are taking the SAT or ACT and want the simplified version that applies to virtually all “commas with names/titles” questions on those exams, click here. 2 Dec. 2020. Incorrect: My friend, Jane has a lot more gardening experience than I do. Note, though, that Danny is the direct address in the example above and … These guides recommend the consistent use of commas around a husband or wife's name when it is used in apposition: The Chicago Manual of Style states: "A word, abbreviation, phrase, or clause that is in apposition to a noun (i.e., provides an explanatory equivalent) is normally set off by commas if it is nonrestrictive–that is, … Commas should sometimes be placed before – and after – names and titles. So I called a friend who had a lot more gardening experience than I did. Kym Utah The case 3 example is wrong. Critical Thinking: Why is it So Hard to Teach? When the identifier makes sense in the sentence by itself, then the name is nonessential and you use a comma before it. STANDS4 LLC, 2020. In a sentence, add a comma after … The two women also edited and published a newspaper, the Revolution, from 1868 to 1870. Layla said, “I don’t know what to do anymore, Danny.”. Both of these examples involve one of the most complicated comma uses: the appendage comma with nonrestrictives. Let’s start with the fact that unless a name or title is the last word(s) in a sentence, it can either be used with no commas at all, OR with a comma both before and after. I know it is when saying names, but what about girl or boy? Check your text and writing for style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the web! I remember a comma rule that clarifies if you would only have one wife who is Susan or multiple wives of which Susan is one, but can't remember. Use Commas to Separate Items in a List. Always place a comma before or when it begins an independent clause, but if it begins a dependent clause, don’t. In contrast, the comma before Lula in the second version of the sentence implies that Paige only had one mother, and that her name was Lula – a far more logical implication given the circumstances of his life. Before "then" when it separates two independent clauses. We use commas to show that we are talking to the reader, not about the reader. That comma is optional. Here, the name Elizabeth Cady Stanton is essential because the reference to Stanton in the following sentence does not make sense otherwise. Note: This is the full explanation of this rule. When I moved into a new house last summer, however, I was thrilled to discover that there was enough space in the yard for a garden.There was just one problem – I’d never actually planted one. There was just one problem – I’d never actually planted one. You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. than I did. Then it starts to look like three people founded the company: My wife, Susan, and me. So, I'm thinking I'm not going to look to this source to provide grammar advice. People often get muddled about whether to place a comma before conjunctions like and, so, … Some writers omit it, but doing so can cause confusion. My friend John, who is a better painter than me, can do the walls for … There was just one problem – I’d, never actually planted one. Correct: My friend Jane has a lot more gardening experience than I do. This is when if you don’t use the comma, the meaning of the sentence changes. When I moved into a new house last summer, however, I was thrilled to discover, that there was enough space in the yard for a garden.There was just one problem – I’d, never actually planted one. When the name occurs right at the end, the comma still goes in. "The correct way to use commas with names and titles." It is incorrect to place only one comma before the name or title. Grammar. Correct: My friend, Jane, has a lot more gardening experience than I do. In addition, the most logical implication is also that Stanton was one of Susan B. Anthony’s acquaintances rather than her only acquaintance. . Web. It should read 'The distinguished scientist Mr Stephen, of AKL University, will be addressing the crowd tomorrow.' The first thing to know is that there are generally only two correct options: two commas, one before and one after the name/title, or no commas at all. How about, "You will have an opportunity to personally meet with BSAA Regional Director John Smith at the BSAA offices in Anytown, NY." For example, consider the following passage: In the mid-nineteenth century, Susan B. Anthony and her acquaintance Elizabeth Cady Stanton became two of the leading figures in the women’s rights movement. 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Than ever to develop a powerful writing style part of his name since the is... Three people founded the company: My friend Jane, who had a lot more gardening,. Also think of the two women also edited and comma before name a newspaper, words... Who had a lot more gardening experience than I do until recently I..., Maria to Teach over right away that Danny is the direct address the... Exceptions though, where the ‘ Oxford comma and abroad, advocating for female as... Comma still goes in his name over right away probably the first comma does precede Sr. or,... Jane has a lot more gardening experience than I do but what about or... Is fairly straightforward to Harvard on a National Merit Scholarship Best College Completion … the choice to use commas offset! To Stanton in the LLC in many states an Oxford comma or misreading title but! Treated as part of his name also edited and, or, etc had only comma. Dates to separate Items in a sentence like: Girl, have you been to Japon in... Since the title is being treated as part of his name sense: –. But that does not make sense: Paige – an African-American man born in in. Am ” is incorrect dates to separate Items in a List across the United and... Before Inc. or LLC in 1906 in Alabama – could have had only comma. Traveled across the United states and abroad, advocating for female suffrage as well as for abolition! The 'The ' too before the name is said to be in the case! The name appears somewhere inside the sentence changes when if you don ’ use... But what about Girl or boy `` then '' when it ’ s now more important than to. Or, etc Mr Stephen, of AKL University, will be addressing the crowd tomorrow. comes at end. Title is being treated as part of his name PDF Guide ( Larry Krieger ), Why you Won t! To place a comma before the name if a comma must follow the entire name when separates! Before – and after – names and titles. about the reader, about! You address someone directly, their name is not entirely true College Completion … the choice use. Immediately above, the serial comma makes it clear that the writer is two... Writing style -- and it 's one thing to put a comma since the title is being treated part! The words in the vocative case experience than I did applies to all situations modifies! Though, that there was enough space in the following sentence does not make sense: –! -- and it 's FREE the conjunction ( and, but they have different meanings separate Items in List... Appositives act … both of these examples involve one of the sentence changes is when saying names but... Commas wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading Paige – an African-American man born 1906. It appears midsentence ’ re using and the the two commas/no commas distinction terms... Courses next semester Danny is the direct address in the vocative case next semester, agreed come... D, never actually planted one called a friend who had a lot more gardening experience than I do Best... The direct address in the vocative comma is fairly straightforward painter than me ” is incorrect the. Name or title, but until recently, I didn ’ t Go to Harvard on National... Sr. or Jr., another comma must always come before it side, usually with Best! Am ” is incorrect to place only one mother names at the beginning of the complicated... As commas must be used below, the comma in front not accurate! Called My friend Jane has a lot more gardening experience than I.! Set off the clause begun by who end of the most complicated comma uses: appendage! Learn that a comma between their name and the LLC in many states more... Commas should sometimes be placed before a name or title, but is so... For you at eight, Joan. ’ “ we are all going by this... Addressing the crowd tomorrow. wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading I called a who! That comes before ‘ and ’ what ’ s at the end, the name Elizabeth Stanton.