Commas with direct addresses, introductory words, interjections and interrupters

key notes :

  • A direct address is when a speaker calls someone by name or title in a sentence.
  • Rule: Use a comma to separate the name or title from the rest of the sentence.
  • Examples:
    • Lily, can you help me?
    • Can you help me, Lily?
    • I think, Lily, that you are right.

  • Introductory words (such as yes, no, well, however, and finally) are followed by a comma.
  • Examples:
    • Yes, I will be there on time.
    • Well, I think you are correct.
    • However, we need to check again.

  • Interjections (such as oh, wow, hey, and ouch) express emotions and are followed by a comma.
  • Examples:
    • Oh, I didn’t know that!
    • Wow, that was amazing!
    • Ouch, that hurt!

  • Interrupters (also called parenthetical expressions) add extra information but are not necessary for the sentence to make sense.
  • Examples:
    • This book, in my opinion, is the best one.
    • The weather, as you can see, is getting worse.
    • She is, of course, the best player in the team.

  • They help make writing clear and easy to understand.
  • They prevent confusion in meaning.
  • They help maintain proper sentence structure.

Let’s practice!🖊️