Whenever you speak directly to a person and use his/her name, the name must be set apart from the rest of the sentence with commas.  This is called direct address.

Let's practice correctly punctuating sentences containing a noun of direct address!

1. Katie did you forget to take these flowers to your grandmother?

   Click here to check your answer! Katie, did you forget to take these flowers to your grandmother?

2. Do you have my math book Sam?

   Click here to check your answer! Do you have my math book, Sam?

3. I am sorry Mrs. Robinson that I am late for class.

   Click here to check your answer! I am sorry, Mrs. Robinson, that I am late for class.

4. Look Robin have you ever seen such a beautiful rainbow?

   Click here to check your answer! Look, Robin, have you ever seen such a beautiful rainbow?

5. Thanks for the great birthday present Uncle Tim!

   Click here to check your answer! Thanks for the great birthday present, Uncle Tim!

6. Eva what time does dance class start tomorrow?

   Click here to check your answer! Eva, what time does dance class start tomorrow?

7. I thought Matt that you had decided not to go to the movies.

   Click here to check your answer! I thought, Matt, that you had decided not to go to the movies.

How did you do? 

Remember, whenever you speak directly to a person and use his/her name, the name must be set apart from the rest of the sentence with commas.

Click on the Chalk board to return to the lesson on commas
with nouns of direct address!

There are many other important and useful comma rules that you should know to improve your communication when you write.  Follow the links below to the lessons that introduce them:

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