Vocative

Vocative Case


When somebody is being spoken to directly, his/her name must be separated from the rest of the sentence with a comma (or commas).
(Names that are being addressed directly are said to be in the 'vocative case'.)

Examples:

 I'll see you next Tuesday, Alan. 
(Alan is being addressed. His name must be separated from the rest of the
sentence with a comma. The word "Alan" is said to be in the vocative case.)
('Vocative' stems from the word 'vocal'.)

 …and that, your Honour, is the case for the Prosecution. 
(The judge is being addressed as "your Honour". These words are in the 
vocative case and must be separated from the rest of the sentence with commas.)

 Lee, you would know all about that wouldn't you, you little adventurer? 
("Lee" is being addressed by his name and as "you little adventurer". Both
"Lee" and "you little adventurer" are in the vocative case.)

 ...and that was the end of the monster Dick. 
("Dick" should be preceded by a comma as "Dick" is being addressed.)

Anything Can Be in the Vocative Case

Animals, even inanimate objects, can be addressed directly.  They should also be separated from the rest of the sentence to show they are in the vocative case.

Examples:

 Ollie, fetch the stick like a good dog. 
("Ollie" is being addressed - comma used)

 You are my favourite car, you little beauty. 
(car being addressed directly as "you little beauty" - comma used)

 To lose one parent, Mr Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.  (Oscar Wilde)
("Mr Worthing" being addressed directly - commas used)

 Dammit, sir, it is your duty to get married. You can't be always living for pleasure.  (Oscar Wilde)
(Someone being addressed directly as "sir" - commas used)