Recently, this cartoon made the rounds of language mavens: Show
The comma rule depicted here is simple: use a comma with the name of a person you are directly addressing. If the name comes first, it is followed by a comma: Children, please stop jumping on the beds. If the name comes at the end of the sentence, the comma precedes the name: Stop jumping on the beds, boys. And if the name (or names) comes in the middle of the sentence, surround it with commas: What I said, Sean and Duncan, was to stop jumping on the beds! As you can see from my example sentences (other than my children’s habit of jumping on the beds), you don’t have to use a proper name to address someone. A title works, even an informal one like boys. In the cartoon, the comma changes the sentence from a bothersome one about cannibalism to a friendlier one about a grandchild encouraging Grandpa to have something to eat (as long as it’s not Grandma). Got it? Good. Let’s try a quick quiz.
Give it a whirl, and check back on Monday for the correct answers. In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, post them below. And if you just want someone else to think about commas for you, visit my Website. Direct address occurs when you address a person directly, prior to sharing information with the individual. A direct address can be aimed at an individual person or a group of people. This technique requires the use of a noun of direct address, which can be a person's name or another noun that represents a person or group. Using Direct Address in WritingDirect address is a technique that makes it very clear who the intended receiver of a message is. It can be used in everyday conversation or in writing. The idea with a direct address is to clearly specify who the message is aimed at when the message is being delivered. That way, the target(s) of the message will be certain that the message is intended for them. Other people who may hear the message will be sure that it is not intended for them. Nouns of Direct AddressIn order to use the direct address technique, you need to know what nouns of direct address are. These are words or phrases that refer to the person or group to whom the message is directed. Nouns of direct address can be:
Using Commas in Direct Address (With Examples)What is the correct direct address comma usage? The answer lies with where the direct address falls in the sentence.
Examples of Direct Address as a Persuasive TechniqueDirect addresses are commonly used in persuasive communication. The idea is that you're more likely to convince a person to do something if you address them by name or title, or with a second person pronoun (you) rather than a first (I, we) or third person pronoun (one, someone).
Using direct addresses for purposes of persuasion isn't limited to fundraising. There are many types of persuasive writing. For example, it is used in marketing messages, persuasive speeches, and when trying to influence someone via personal letter or conversation. Explore a
few direct address persuasive technique examples.
What Is Direct Address in Drama?In drama, direct address occurs when a character (or a group of characters) speaks directly to the audience rather than speaking to another character or simply musing aloud. Any time a narrator says "Dear Reader" (or something similar), and then speaks to the audience, that is an example of direct narration. There are many examples of direct address in literature, as well as scripts for TV shows and screenplays for movies. Discover a few direct address examples in drama:
Direct Address Comma PracticeIt's important to properly use commas before, around or after a direct address in a sentence. Review the examples below. Identify the direct address, then decide where the commas should be placed. Direct Address Practice ExercisesPlease note that each item may have more than one direct address. Find all direct address examples and add commas as needed for proper punctuation. Check your answers against the key below once you have completed the practice activity.
Answers for Direct Address Practice ExercisesCheck your work against the correct answers below.
What is an example of direct address in a sentence?But suppose you say, “Alison, how did you like the concert?” Then you are talking directly to Alison, and you are using her name to get her attention and to show that the question is meant for her. This use of Alison's name to speak directly to her is an example of direct address.
Do you put a comma after addressing someone in a letter?Yes, you need to use a comma between the person's name and the greeting. The reason is “direct address.” We use commas to show that we are talking to the reader, not about the reader.
Is we An example of direct address?Direct addresses are commonly used in persuasive communication. The idea is that you're more likely to convince a person to do something if you address them by name or title, or with a second person pronoun (you) rather than a first (I, we) or third person pronoun (one, someone).
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