KNOWLEDGE TUESDAY
Today, I would like to talk a little about commas. Yes, they are dreaded little things, and I don't know every rule out there about them, but there is one thing I've realized lately in manuscripts I've read where the comma is lacking.
These are the direct address commas.
Yes, commas do save lives.
The direct address comma 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:
Bob, can you grab that pen for me?
I don't know what time it is, Jill.
And if the name (or names) comes in the middle of the sentence, surround it with commas:
So, everyone, I hope you learned a little bit about direct address commas and will be willing to save lives by adding those pesky commas where they are needed.
After all, no one really wants to eat Grandpa. *grins*
11 comments:
LOL I'm sure Grandpa's everywhere are thrilled with this post. ;)
LOL! I hope so. :)
Hahaha! That is an awesome lesson. I approve.
Thanks, Hannah!
Thanks for the comma advice, Cherie!
You're welcome, Talli!
Oh my goodness, I think I spent a full minute just laughing at that motivational poster :)
Hi Cherie,
My editor caught a lot of these mistakes. I don't know what it is about writing a story, it is so easy to miss the simple things.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author
Rachel - I know! It was so funny, I had to use it.
Nancy - I know what you mean about being involved in the story and not noticing these things. As a proofreader, it's become my job to notice them. After all, the consequences of lacking a comma could completely change the sentence.
I always need some tweaking in the grammar department, so thank you!
Nice to meet you and your blog!
Welcome, Lydia! And, you're the 50th followers too! Yay! Time for a contest!
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