English Language Arts
Grade 4
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
Correctly identify a direct address in a sentence.
Correctly identify introductory words like 'yes,' 'no,' 'well,' and 'oh' in a sentence.
Place commas correctly to set off a direct address from the rest of the sentence.
Place a comma correctly after an introductory word.
Explain why a comma is needed in sentences with direct addresses and introductory words.
Write original sentences using commas for both direct addresses and introductory words.
Hey you, read this sentence! Did you know that sentence needs a comma to be correct? 🤔 Let's find out why!
Today, we will learn about two special jobs for commas. We'll discover how to use them when you speak directly to someone (a direct address) and after start...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
CommaA punctuation mark (,) that shows a pause or a separation between parts of a sentence.We have a dog, a cat, and a fish.
Direct AddressWhen you use a person's name or title to speak directly to them in a sentence.Sarah, can you please close the door?
Noun of Direct AddressThe specific name or title of the person you are talking to.In the sentence 'Mom, I'm hungry,' the noun of direct address is 'Mom'.
Introductory WordA word or short phrase at the beginning of a sentence that introduces the main idea, often expressing a 'yes' or 'no' answer or a mild emotion.Yes, I finished my homework.
SentenceA complete thought that has a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a predicate (what the subject is or does).T...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Direct Address Comma Rule
Use a comma or commas to separate the name of the person being spoken to from the rest of the sentence.
If the name is at the beginning, put a comma after it. If it's in the middle, put commas before and after it. If it's at the end, put a comma before it.
The Introductory Word Comma Rule
Use a comma after an introductory word like 'yes,' 'no,' 'well,' or 'oh' at the beginning of a sentence.
This comma shows a slight pause after the introductory word before you get to the main part of the sentence.
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Challenging
Which sentence correctly uses a comma for BOTH an introductory word and a direct address?
A.Well, Alex, I think you're right.
B.Yes, I think you're right Alex.
C.Well Alex, I think you're right.
D.Yes, Alex I think you're right.
Challenging
Read the dialogue:
Tom: 'Did you finish the project?'
Sara: 'I did finish the project Tom.'
Why is Sara's response confusing without a comma?
A.It sounds like she is introducing someone named 'project Tom'.
B.It sounds like she is naming the project 'Tom'.
C.It sounds like she is asking Tom a question.
D.It sounds like she is using 'Tom' as an introductory word.
Challenging
A student wants to write a sentence that starts with the introductory word 'Oh' and speaks directly to a friend named 'Chloe'. Which sentence is written perfectly?
A.Oh Chloe, I forgot to tell you something.
B.Oh, Chloe I forgot to tell you something.
C.Oh, Chloe, I forgot to tell you something.
D.Oh, Chloe. I forgot to tell you something.
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