comma with apposition (name): the acclaimed psychologist Johnson

[chicanul]

Hi,

This is a personal reflection. I'd like to know whether commas belong around "Johnson." Thank you so much for your invaluable help.

“The acclaimed psychologist Johnson concocted an analysis of Dracula's personality”.

 

[PaulQ]

Yes, the commas should be there. The real subject is The acclaimed psychologist and Johnson is really no more than an expansion, an afterthought. Compare:
"The acclaimed psychologist, who had won the Nobel Prize and the 100 metres dash, concocted a new cocktail."

 

[Cenzontle]

It depends on whether "Johnson" is restrictive or nonrestrictive. If "the acclaimed psychologist" is sufficient to specify the identity of the person (presumably because he/she has been mentioned earlier in the context), then "Johnson" is nonrestrictive (and calls for commas). But if "Johnson" is necessary to establish the person's identity, then it is restrictive (no commas). Imagine your sentence without "Johnson", and if no confusion results, then use commas.

 

[lilison]

Definitely use commas. Otherwise, you are saying Johnson concocted an acclaimed psychologist.

 

[Egmont]

Definitely use commas. Otherwise, you are saying Johnson concocted an acclaimed psychologist.

I disagree. Cenzontle has it right. You use commas if there is only one acclaimed psychologist that could be discussed here, and you want to add information by giving his or her name. You do not use commas if you need the name to identify which acclaimed psychologist you mean.

 

[Cagey]

Definitely use commas. Otherwise, you are saying Johnson concocted an acclaimed psychologist.

I don't see this as a possible reading.

 

[lilison]

When you read only the first part of the sentence, I find it awkward without the commas.