CCC.4 Use commas in direct address, greetings, and closings of letters
What is a comma?
A comma is a punctuation mark (,) used to separate words or parts of a sentence to make meaning clear.
- Hello, Sam.
- Yes, I understand.
- Thank you, Mom.
Commas help readers know where to pause when reading.
Using commas in direct address
Direct address means speaking directly to a person by name. A comma is used to separate the person’s name from the rest of the sentence.
- Can you help me, Alex?
- Maria, please close the door.
- I like your drawing, Ben.
If you can remove the name and the sentence still makes sense, it is direct address.
Using commas in greetings
In a letter or email, a greeting is the opening line. A comma is used after the greeting.
- Dear Mom,
- Hello, Grandma,
- Dear Mr. Smith,
Always place the comma at the end of the greeting line.
Using commas in closings
A closing is the ending of a letter. A comma is used after the closing word or phrase.
- Sincerely,
- Your friend,
- Love,
The comma goes after the closing, before the writer’s name.
Why commas are important
Commas help make writing clear and polite, especially when speaking to someone or writing letters.
- Let’s eat, Grandma.
- Thank you, teacher.
- Good morning, class.
Using commas correctly helps your reader understand exactly what you mean.