Direct Address Commas

Explanation: Use a comma when a person is directly addressed and their name (or a word used in place of
their name) appears in the sentence. Direct address can be part of quotation, or it can be used without
quotations. Remember, quotations require a voice and a tag. Direct address simply means that the person
who is spoken to is actually mentioned in the sentence.

Examples:

Rebecca, can you pick up that tray?

(Rebecca is the direct address word. Notice that this isn’t a quotation because it doesn’t have a tag.)

“Please pick up the tray, Rebecca,” Mr. Kensey said.

(This has two commas – one for the direct address, and one for the separator between quotation voice and tag.)

What I am saying, students, is that your grade depends on how hard you work.

(Students is the direct address word. Since it is in the middle of the sentence, it takes a comma on both sides, or a
comma sandwich.)

Mrs. Peña, thank you for coming to Progress Report Night here at Cavazos Elementary.

Thank you, Mrs. Peña, for coming to Progress Report Night here at Cavazos Elementary.

“Mrs. Peña, thank you for coming to Progress Report Night here at Cavazos Elementary,” said the principal with a smile.

Sit down, Ralph.

Ralph, sit down right now.

Sit down, Ralph, or you’ll be standing in the office.

“Sit down, Ralph, right this instant!” bellowed the red-faced history teacher.
Ok, now it’s your turn. Fill in the appropriate commas and other punctuation for the following sentences.
All the sentences contain direct address words, and some include quotations.

1. Class you may read your A.R. books.

2. I hope you put your headphones back Paola.

3. You all should know your times tables by now fourth graders said Mr. Tamen.

4. Jaime I think you did a great job on your social studies project.

5. I think you did a great job on your social studies project Jaime said Mrs. Robinson.

6. What I am wondering Officer Jarrett is how you figured out I was speeding. Did you use
radar sir?

7. Please Jimmy don’t ask me questions right now.

8. Jennifer, it has been such a pleasure to see you again. When will come you back Jennifer?

9. Ladies and gentlemen it’s time for the show.

10. It’s time for the show ladies and gentlemen the announcer exclaimed.
 ANSWERS

1. Class, you may read your A.R. books.

2. I hope you put your headphones back, Paola.

3. “You all should know your times tables by now, fourth graders,” said Mr. Tamen.

4. Jaime, I think you did a great job on your social studies project.

5. “I think you did a great job on your social studies project, Jaime,” said Mrs. Robinson.

6. What I am wondering, Officer Jarrett, is how you figured out I was speeding. Did you use
radar, sir?

7. Please, Jimmy, don’t ask me questions right now.

8. Jennifer, it has been such a pleasure to see you again. When will come you back, Jennifer?

9. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the show!

10. “It’s time for the show, ladies and gentlemen!” the announcer exclaimed.