Stamps Collection #11 (comma with direct address)

Hi Subscriber First Name,

The presence or absence of a comma can change the meaning of a sentence. (Remember those “Let’s eat, Grandma” memes?) This newsletter’s grammar tip is about using a comma with direct address. For a life tip, let’s make a conscious decision to be positive!

Collections

Communication is when what you say and what I hear are the same thing; when what I write and what you read are the same thing. When we are on the same page, we are communicating effectively.

Grammar Tip

How many uses are there for a comma? Associated Press Stylebook lists 17 guidelines; Chicago Manual of Style has 38. Let’s look at one usage guideline: comma with direct address.

"Thanks for sharing Terry." (Um, why has someone shared a person named Terry? That’s the only grammatical interpretation of this sentence when it’s written without a comma.)

“Thanks for sharing, Terry.” (I’m addressing Terry directly.)

“Here’s what happened before Billie.” (Before Billie came along, something took place.)
"Here's what happened before, Billie." (I'm talking directly to Billie.)

"I'm happy to help Chris." (Chris needs my help and I'm telling someone else about my offer of assistance.)
"I'm happy to help, Chris." (I'm talking directly to Chris.) (And by talking I mean writing.)

"Welcome everyone." (Please be congenial to the people around you.)
"Welcome, everyone." (We, the readers, are being greeted graciously.)

“Pay attention, writers.”
“Keep it simple, sweetie.”
"Y'all, look what the cat dragged in.”

The use of a comma with direct address can happen whether the noun (or pronoun) is before or after the verb.

”Thanks for letting me know, Jamie.”
”Jamie, thanks for letting me know. “

Practice makes learning (and communication!) easier.

Positivity Tip

Be positive instead of negative whenever possible. Why did the coiner of the KISS theory use the word stupid, I wonder? I would much rather be told to “Keep it simple, sweetie” than “Keep it simple, stupid.” You could call me silly too—or smarty-pants or even Scary Spice—and you can always call me for supper. But stupid? No, thanks.

Speaking of KISS, did Gene say, “Keep it simple, Stanley” while Paul said, “Keep it simple, Simmons” when they were writing I-I-I want to rock and roll all n-i-i-ight and party e-ver-y day. Hmm…

Communicate with yourself. I think I’m feeling (tired, bereft, hangry) and that means I need to (rejuvenate with friends, stay away from all people, take a nap), because this is how I’m wired. How do you fill in your blanks?

Life Tip

When I can’t change the craziness happening in the world, then what CAN I do? I can make decisions about me, myself and I.

I can decide whether to react to the news with outrage or to react with compassion—or both, or anything in between. I can decide to limit my intake of 24/7 news.

I can decide to worry or grieve intentionally, choosing the time of day (and duration) and the place to do so.

At any time, I can also choose to find joy in the present moment, if only for a moment. Tragedy and joy do not have to be mutually exclusive; they can be both/and.

Joy for joy’s sake is fabulous. Joy as a coping mechanism, a conscious decision, is also amazing.

I snapped a pic of these images at my chiropractor’s office. Shoutout to Dr. Alex Loudon in Lexington, Kentucky, for being on my to-do list for self-care.

Have a fabulous day.

Previous “Stamps Collection of Tips” newsletters are on my site at https://www.stampscommunications.com/stamps-collection

Do you have a grammar question? A life tip, favorite motivational quote or book recommendation? Hit reply to this email. I’d be so happy to hear from you!

Kathie Stamps
kathie@stampscommunications.com

Stamps Communications

Hi Subscriber First Name,The presence or absence of a comma can change the meaning of a sentence. (Remember those “Let’s eat, Grandma” memes?) This newsletter’s grammar tip is about using a comma with direct address. For a life tip, let’s make a conscious decision to be positive!