comma with direct address: no idea what you're talking about James

[That's Capital]

For example,

You have no idea what you're talking about James.

or

You have no idea what you're talking about, James.

and a slight variation on the theme:

Well James, what's it going to be?

or

Well, James, what's it going to be?

Thanks, TC.

 

[lucas-sp]

What option(s) do you consider correct or desirable, and why?

 

[That's Capital]

Are you a teacher perchance?

My inclination would be to go for a comma either side of the name but I am asking which is grammatically correct.

What option(s) do you consider correct or desirable, and why?

 

[lucas-sp]

Well, yes, I do happen to be some kind of teacher, but there is also this forum rule.

I would isolate the name - the direct address - from the rest of the sentence with commas, too. It helps the reader understand the logic of the sentence more quickly.

 

[That's Capital]

Well, yes, I do happen to be some kind of teacher, but there is also this forum rule.

I would isolate the name - the direct address - from the rest of the sentence with commas, too. It helps the reader understand the logic of the sentence more quickly.

Noted, and thank you.