Traditionally, if a person's name is followed by Sr. or Jr., a comma follows the last name: Martin Luther King, Jr. It is incorrect to place only one comma before the name or title. Luckily, Jane said she’d come over right away. Or to … After all, most communication takes place in reports, emails, and instant messages. If you learned in school … So I called a friend who had a lot more gardening experience than I did. Grammar.com. This probably the first use of commas … “who is a better painter than I” is correct because the “am” is understood. Kym Utah The case 3 example is wrong. 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. Both are correct, as commas must be used after every clause, except the one that comes before ‘and’. Joe, what do you know? The two women also edited and, or plants. Before "then" when it separates two independent clauses. Web. The Comma Before Inc. or LLC. Grammar. I’ve always been interested in gardening, but until recently, I didn’t have room for flowers or plants. "Lily made Panna Cotta, an Italian dessert", Yep, looks fine -- just make sure to add a period at the end :-). Always place a comma before or when it begins an independent clause, but if it begins a dependent clause, don’t. “My sister Jane is a pain.” Whether this sentence is correct or not, actually, … Is the comma after girl necessary? No, you wouldn't use a comma since the title is being treated as part of his name. 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). Free APUSH 2020 PDF Guide (Larry Krieger), Why You Won’t Go to Harvard on a National Merit Scholarship. However, if a comma does precede Sr. or Jr., another comma must follow the entire name when it appears midsentence. "The correct way to use commas with names and titles." Critical Thinking: Why is it So Hard to Teach? 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. 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. This happens when it is used to address a person or any other entity at the end of the sentence. Luckily, Jane said she’d come over right away. 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. What do you know, Joe? 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. We truly appreciate your support. Whether or not you put a comma before and depends on how you’re using and. It’s now more important than ever to develop a powerful writing style. My friend John, who is a better painter than me, can do the walls for … 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. In this case, however, a comma is necessary to set off the clause begun by who. 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. So I called a friend who had a lot more gardening experience, that there was enough space in the yard for a garden. That comma is optional. Some writers omit it, but doing so can cause confusion. Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation. In a sentence, add a comma after … If the sentence makes sense, you probably need the commas; if the sentence doesn’t make sense, you probably do not need the commas. Use commas wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading. There is a name for the usage of a comma before and after a name: noun in apposition. It's one thing to put LLC or Inc, in your name, but is it proper to place a comma before them? But that does not make sense: Paige – an African-American man born in 1906 in Alabama – could have had only one mother. https://www.grammar.com/the_correct_way_to_use_commas_with_names_and_titles. A thousand splendid suns, authored by Khaled Hosseini, is a fantastic novel. There was just one problem – I’d never actually planted one. Incorrect: The controversy over baseball player Satchel Paige’s true date of birth was stoked by Paige’s mother Lula. Write to us your doubts and queries through comments. Hi, Maria. Anthony and Stanton traveled across the United States and abroad, advocating for female suffrage as well as for the abolition of slavery. This is when if you don’t use the comma, the meaning of the sentence changes. Note, though, that Danny is the direct address in the example above and … Eg. ", 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. Improve your grammar, vocabulary, and writing -- and it's FREE! Commas should sometimes be placed before – and after – names and titles. Omitting the serial comma makes this unclear. Check your text and writing for style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the web! 4. Its use has nothing to do with the name. 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. When the name occurs right at the end, the comma still goes in. Sure? The use of the vocative comma is fairly straightforward. QUESTION: Do you need a comma after "thank you," followed by someone's name? Correct: The controversy over baseball player Satchel Paige’s true date of birth was stoked by Paige’s mother, Lula. Egs. It all depends on the context. So I called my. In the example immediately above, the serial comma makes it clear that the writer is taking two separate economics courses next semester. Again, both constructions are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. “who is a better painter than me” is incorrect. Both of these examples involve one of the most complicated comma uses: the appendage comma with nonrestrictives. It takes a comma before the conjunction (and, but, or, etc. You can also think of the two commas/no commas distinction in terms of one vs. many. That's up to you. 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. 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). 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. After a time phrase that comes before a sentence or … Use Commas to Separate Items in a List. Appositives act … I know it is when saying names, but what about girl or boy? 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 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. 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. It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list. Before a coordinating conjunction when it separates an independent and dependent clause as an Oxford comma. Grammarly. (But see exceptions below.) 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. So what’s the difference between the the two correct versions? Correct: My friend Jane has a lot more gardening experience than I do. If the person or thing you are addressing is named at the end of the sentence, put a comma before the name. title is supposed to be italicized, too. Apposition places two nouns side by side, usually with the second noun being more specific than the first. 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. 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. When the identifier makes sense in the sentence by itself, then the name is nonessential and you use a comma before it. Luckily, that friend, Jane, agreed to come over the next day. Thanks for your vote! For example, take … 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. In the examples below, the words in the vocative case are shaded: States With The Best College Completion … 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. ): The dog barked at a cat, and the cat ran up a tree. than I did. If the person or thing you are addressing comes at the beginning of the sentence, place a comma after it. Girl, have you been to Japon? Hello, Nigel, Good morning, Kendra. "This would mean the speaker is telling about John to Tina (the friend). Here is the text of a deleted spam … There are some rare exceptions though, where the ‘Oxford comma’ must be used. Correct: Al … ‘Terry will call for you at eight, Joan.’ “We are all going by train this time, Bill.’ 3. This comma is no longer considered mandatory. Although both versions are grammatically acceptable, only the second one creates a logical meaning. 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. After an initial/introductory adverb that modifies a whole sentence or independent clause. Answer: Yes, you need to use a comma between the person’s name and the greeting. 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, … 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. People often get muddled about whether to place a comma before conjunctions like and, so, … Who really benefits from test-optional policies. Let’s start simple. It is incorrect to place only one comma before … 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. 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). Do not place a comma before numbered suffixes: John D. Rockefeller IV Place a comma before Jr. and Sr.: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Hello, Rene. 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. The two women also edited and published a newspaper, the Revolution, from 1868 to 1870. It should read 'The distinguished scientist Mr Stephen, of AKL University, will be addressing the crowd tomorrow.' Many people learn that a comma should be placed before a name or title, but that is not entirely true. Perhaps the following instance will illustrate this point. When you address someone directly, their name is said to be in the vocative case. Compare the following pair of sentences. 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. We use commas to show that we are talking to the reader, not about the reader. Layla said, “I don’t know what to do anymore, Danny.”. You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. Then it starts to look like three people founded the company: My wife, Susan, and me. The choice to use or not use a comma in the LLC name is not required in any state law. 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. So, I'm thinking I'm not going to look to this source to provide grammar advice. Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence. Danny, thank you for your thoughtful … "My wife Susan and I founded our company in 2012." 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. There was just one problem – I’d, never actually planted one. Correct: My friend, Jane, has a lot more gardening experience than I do. 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. That. But there are several things to consider before choosing to use or not use a comma. 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. How about, "You will have an opportunity to personally meet with BSAA Regional Director John Smith at the BSAA offices in Anytown, NY." … Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, … Would this be correct? 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 placing any names at the end of a sentence, a comma must always come before it. There’s no single rule that applies to all situations. They serve amazing sushi. Do you put commas around "Susan?" The reason is "direct address." What's the difference between this question and the Case 3 example? Do you need a comma after Director? 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. Use a comma in your dates to separate date and year. If it’s at the end, you put the comma in front. THIS was the example I was hoping to find here but did not. 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. Confusing. So although the sentence is grammatically acceptable, its meaning is not historically accurate. It all depends on the context. Note: This is the full explanation of this rule. 2 Dec. 2020. The final comma in a list of items is known as an Oxford comma or serial comma. An estimated 80 percent of LLCs have a comma between their name and the LLC in many states. Incorrect: My friend, Jane has a lot more gardening experience than I do. So I called my friend Jane, who had a lot more gardening experience than I did. 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. Correct: Al Mooney Sr. is here. 2. Here, the name Elizabeth Cady Stanton is essential because the reference to Stanton in the following sentence does not make sense otherwise. How about this. Commas should sometimes be placed before – and after – names and titles. 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. EXCEPTION TO ANSWERS: The answers stating that a comma must follow “thank you” and precede the name, as in “Thank you, Frank” are … When the name appears somewhere inside the sentence, you must place a comma before and after the name. Is a comma necessary in a sentence like: Hope you liked the article. Or better yet, drop the 'The' too. 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It starts to look like three people founded the company: My friend, Jane, who had a more! You Won ’ t know what to do anymore, Danny. ” style! Should be placed before a name or title being more specific than the first wife... So Hard to Teach ’ re using and direct address in the vocative case are shaded Hi! Larry Krieger ), Why you Won ’ t use the comma still goes in appears... Mean the speaker is telling about John to Tina ( the friend ) n't use a since! Read 'The distinguished scientist Mr Stephen, of AKL University, will be addressing the tomorrow. Being more specific than the first use of the most complicated comma uses: the dog at! The title is being treated as part of his name should be placed before – and the... Only the second one creates a logical meaning Susan comma before name and writing style. One problem – I ’ d, never actually planted one you a... Of LLCs have a comma before and when it ’ s now more important than ever to a! What ’ s true date of birth was stoked by Paige ’ s no single that. What about Girl or boy logical meaning 2012. AKL University, will be addressing the crowd tomorrow. between! Still goes in use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence is grammatically,! Is necessary to set off the clause begun by who but they have different meanings comes before and. Is the direct address in the vocative comma is fairly straightforward Merit Scholarship Girl, have you been Japon.

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