English Language Arts Grade 3 15 min

Commas with direct addresses and after introductory words

Commas with direct addresses and after introductory words

Tutorial Preview

1

Introduction & Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives Identify a direct address in a sentence. Correctly place a comma to set off a direct address. Identify introductory words like 'Yes', 'No', and 'Well' at the beginning of a sentence. Correctly place a comma after an introductory word. Use commas correctly when writing sentences that state an opinion. Explain why a comma is needed for a direct address or after an introductory word. Hey, friend! 👋 Do you think that little comma mark is important when you share your ideas? Let's find out! Today, we will learn about two special jobs for the comma. We'll discover how to use commas when we speak directly to someone in our writing and how to use them after starting words like 'Yes' or 'No'. This will...
2

Key Concepts & Vocabulary

TermDefinitionExample CommaA punctuation mark (,) that tells a reader to take a short pause. It helps separate words or ideas in a sentence.I think dogs, cats, and fish make good pets. Direct AddressWhen you say the name of the person or group you are speaking to directly in a sentence.Leo, do you think recess should be longer? Introductory WordA word at the very beginning of a sentence that introduces the main idea, like 'Yes', 'No', 'Well', or 'Oh'.Yes, I believe that is a great idea. OpinionWhat someone thinks or feels about something. It cannot be proven right or wrong.In my opinion, blue is the best color. SentenceA complete thought that starts with a capital letter and ends with a punctuation mark like a period, question mark, or exclamation p...
3

Key Rules & Conventions

The Direct Address Comma Rule Use a comma or commas to separate the name of the person you are talking to from the rest of the sentence. When you use someone's name to get their attention in your writing, you need to put a comma after their name if it's at the beginning, before their name if it's at the end, or on both sides if it's in the middle. This tells the reader who is being spoken to. The Introductory Word Comma Rule Use a comma after an introductory word like 'Yes', 'No', or 'Well' at the beginning of a sentence. These words introduce your main thought. The comma creates a small pause between the introductory word and the opinion or statement that follows.

4 more steps in this tutorial

Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.

Sign Up Free to Continue

Sample Practice Questions

Challenging
This sentence has two mistakes: 'Actually I believe you are right Kim.' Which option fixes both mistakes?
A.Actually, I believe you are right Kim.
B.Actually I believe, you are right, Kim.
C.Actually I believe you are right, Kim.
D.Actually, I believe you are right, Kim.
Challenging
Look at these correct sentences: (1) 'Ava, I like your drawing.' (2) 'Your drawing is great, Ava.' (3) 'I think, Ava, your drawing is great.' What is the best rule for using commas with a person's name when you talk to them?
A.Use a comma to separate the name of the person you are talking to from the rest of the sentence.
B.Always put a comma after a person's name, no matter where it is.
C.Only use a comma if the person's name is at the beginning of the sentence.
D.Use a comma before a person's name only if you are asking a question.
Challenging
Two friends are sharing opinions. Which person uses commas correctly in their sentence? - ANNA: 'Frankly I think kickball is more fun than tag.' - JOSÉ: 'Yes, Anna, I completely agree with that opinion.'
A.Only Anna uses commas correctly.
B.Only José uses commas correctly.
C.Both Anna and José use commas correctly.
D.Neither Anna nor José uses commas correctly.

Want to practice and check your answers?

Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.

Start Practicing Free

More from Opinions

Ready to find your learning gaps?

Take a free diagnostic test and get a personalized learning plan in minutes.