English Language Arts
Grade 3
15 min
Commas with direct addresses and after introductory words
Commas with direct addresses and after introductory words
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define 'direct address' and 'introductory word'.
Identify the person being spoken to (the direct address) in a sentence.
Correctly place a comma after a direct address at the beginning of a sentence.
Correctly place a comma before a direct address at the end of a sentence.
Identify introductory words like 'Yes,' 'No,' and 'Well.'
Correctly place a comma after an introductory word at the beginning of a sentence.
Proofread sentences to add missing commas for direct addresses and introductory words.
Hey, have you ever noticed the tiny pause when you call someone's name in a sentence? 🤔 That little pause is a super important punctuation mark!
Today, we are going to learn about two special jobs for the...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
CommaA punctuation mark (,) that tells the reader to take a short pause. It helps separate words or ideas in a sentence.I like apples, oranges, and bananas.
Direct AddressWhen you say the name of the person or pet you are speaking to directly in the sentence.Can you pass the crayons, Maria?
Introductory WordA word at the very beginning of a sentence that introduces the main thought, like 'Yes,' 'No,' 'Well,' or 'Oh.'Yes, I finished my homework.
SentenceA group of words that tells a complete thought. It starts with a capital letter and ends with a punctuation mark like a period, question mark, or exclamation point.The dog chased the ball.
PunctuationSpecial marks used in writing to make sentences clear. Examples are periods (.),...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Direct Address Rule
Use a comma to separate the name of the person you are talking to from the rest of the sentence.
If the name is at the beginning, the comma comes after it. If the name is at the end, the comma comes before it. This comma acts like a little pause.
The Introductory Word Rule
Use a comma after an introductory word like 'Yes,' 'No,' 'Well,' or 'Oh' at the beginning of a sentence.
This comma separates the introductory word from the main part of the sentence, showing a slight pause after you say it.
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Challenging
A student wrote: 'No Dad I haven't seen your keys.' How must this sentence be rewritten to be perfectly correct?
A.No, Dad I haven't seen your keys.
B.No, Dad, I haven't seen your keys.
C.No Dad, I haven't seen your keys.
D.No, Dad I haven't, seen your keys.
Challenging
Which sentence correctly explains the comma rule that is needed for the sentence: 'Pardon me sir you dropped your wallet.'
A.comma is needed after 'Pardon me' because it is an introductory phrase, and another comma is needed after 'sir' because it is a direct address.
B.comma is needed only after 'sir' because you are speaking to him directly.
C.comma is needed only after 'Pardon me' because it introduces the sentence.
D.No commas are needed because the sentence is a short statement.
Challenging
Consider the word 'now'. In which sentence would 'now' be considered an introductory word that needs a comma?
A.I need you to come here right now.
B.We are leaving for the party now.
C.What are you doing now.
D.Now that is what I call a good idea.
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