ANSWER: "How do you punctuate interjected names?"

[ariestess]

lonelybrit asked "How do you punctuate interjected names? ("How do you do, Mary?")"
With examples from CSI: NY because that's what's on TV as I write this.



When writing dialogue, we often include names to help clarify to whom the speaker is referring. This is particularly useful if dialogue tags aren't being used [e.g, (s)he said].

In dialogue, treat the name of the person being spoken to like any other interjection and offset it with commas. In the examples below, the correct punctuation will be highlighted in red.

Wrong: "Don't lie to me Stella, because I'll know if you do," Mac said.

Right: "Don't lie to me, Stella, because I'll know if you do," Mac said.

If the name is used as the first or last word of your sentence, it only gets one comma.

Wrong: "Mac I'm not lying!"

Right: "Mac, I'm not lying!"

***

Wrong: "I'm not sure I like what you're insinuating Mac."

Right: "I'm not sure I like what you're insinuating, Mac."

Now let's say that you try something with both an interjection and a name. Treat this type of dialogue the same way you would a standard interjection by offsetting it with commas.

Wrong: "Hey Stella, what's up?" Danny asked.

Right: "Hey, Stella, what's up?" Danny asked.

This also works if you're using titles or pet names/nicknames.

Wrong: "Do you Detective think that is the case?" the lawyer asked.

Right: "Do you, Detective, think that is the case? the lawyer asked.

***

Wrong: "Seriously honey, think about it," Frankie said.

Right: "Seriously, honey, think about it," Frankie said.

In the end, the easiest thing to remember is this: If you use the person's name -- given, title, or nickname -- in your dialogue, offset it with commas.



Resources:
Commas, Rule #4 @ GrammarBook.com
Rule #4c of Eight Comma Rules @ St. Albans School
Commas and Introductory Words or Phrases @ The English Plus+ Web Site
Comma, Rule h @ LibraryOnline.com
Greeting Card Grammar, Punctuating Salutations @ Grammar Girl

Comments

[pathology-doc.livejournal.com]

"How do you do, Mary?"

Mary had better be receptive to your advances if you drop that comma. Reminds me of a sign in a Walmart near where I live.

"TELL US HOW WE ARE DOING CANADA."

[little-missmimi.livejournal.com]

Not quite hard enough.

[pathology-doc.livejournal.com]

Canada begs to differ. :P

[campylobacter.livejournal.com]

MTE!

I was LMAO at the prospect of dropping Mary's comma. ;D

[pathology-doc.livejournal.com]

Mary's been known to drop her comma for Little Boy Blue occasionally, and if you find her in a good mood she might tell you about that one time with Bo Peep.

But the thing about the little lamb is a filthy lie, and that's all there is to it.

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

::falls over laughing::

[campylobacter.livejournal.com]

True; even if the Furries over-punctuate, I still don't wanna hear about the lamb/shepherdess allegations.

[pathology-doc.livejournal.com]

Mary had a little lamb;
you've heard this tale before
We're pleased to state it's as a pet,
and not upon the floor

[campylobacter.livejournal.com]

I'll never look at sheepskin rugs the same way, EVER.

[pathology-doc.livejournal.com]

Oh, one more:

"Do you Detective think that is the case?" the lawyer asked.

"No, I ordinary citizen think so... and I STILL think he's guilty." :p

CRIME THINK

[campylobacter.livejournal.com]

"It matters not what you the witness think," the victim said to each in turn, "but what you Your Honor think that determines you the defendant's fate."

[moon-raven2.livejournal.com]

Oh thank you. This post (and all the silly comments above) makes me happy in my heart.

Also, love the "Teal'c iz ded" icon. :D