comma with direct address: Do you really think so, Mary?

Tenacious Learner

Tenacious Learner

Senior Member
Spanish
Hi teachers,
Is it mandatory to use a comma in this sentence or optional?
a) Do you really think so, Mary?
b) Do you really think so Mary?

Thanks in advance.
 
    • The rule is that we always set off, with a comma, the person or persons to whom we're speaking (or writing). It's one of the few rules in English that you can really depend upon!
     
    Parla said:
    The rule is that we always set off, with a comma, the person or persons to whom we're speaking (or writing). It's one of the few rules in English that you can really depend upon!
    Click to expand...

    Even it has exceptions:
    If the sentence is short (like Hi guys!) you can safely omit the comma.
    Click to expand...

    That's from the Terribly Write Web site.

    Another example, this time from an author teaching reading comprehension, can be seen in Constructional Reading Skills by Robert Taggart here:
    Henry and Mark waited for ten minutes before Donnna arrived. Donna said, "Hi guys. What movie do you want to see?"
    Click to expand...
     
    Last edited:
    I live in the same world as Parla & Copyright. In this case, you use the comma.

    However, when I write dialogue, sometimes I don't use that comma:

    Using mplsray's example: "Hi guys," he called out. "What's the score?"

    I don't know why I do this.

    Also, though, once again using mplsray's above example, I WOULD use the comma in his sentence because those two words are a complete sentence. "Hi, guys."

    Can someone explain to me or site a rule that makes sense?
     
    Parla said:
    The rule is that we always set off, with a comma, the person or persons to whom we're speaking (or writing). It's one of the few rules in English that you can really depend upon!
    Click to expand...
    Hi,
    Thanks for your reply.
    So, no matter if the common or proper noun is at the beginning or end we should use a comma:
    a) Do you really think so, Mary?
    b) Mary, do you really think so?
    d) Guys, is there anything to do tonight?
    e) Is there anything to do tonight, guys?

    TS
     
    Last edited:
    You must log in or register to reply here.
    Back
    Top