Comments on: Commas in direct address

By: David

David — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:14:50 +0000

That makes perfect sense thank you.

By: Rachel V.

Rachel V. — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:51:14 +0000

@ David: The “Dear” salutation is different. “Dear” is a modifier, an adjective. It’s similar to saying “Precious [name]” or “Lovely [name].” There is never a comma between an adjective and the word it modifies. “Hi” is an interjection, so it is a different part of speech altogether. Does that make sense?

By: David

David — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:32:18 +0000

Does this rule apply in the specific case of an opening to a formal letter? I’ve been taught to open a letter with: “Dear [name],” in contrast to “Dear, [name],”.

By: Carolina

Carolina — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 14:23:50 +0000

Oh, it was such a bliss to find this article! I came from Russia, where I was the best in my class in literacy and grammar. Now I work in one of the primary schools in England and it gives me a constant cringe when I see such an appaling violation of this simple rule! Teachers constantly ignore commas when addressing, not to mention children who do not have an idea about that!!! I began to feel that I was doing it the wrong way. Now I have found the confirmation to what I have always known- thank you very much indeed! I will begin to implement it in my school wherever I can to try and change this sad tendency. I know, this is only a small thing but rules are rules and one must follow them, especially in schools.