Comma

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Anonymous  #354699  Mon, 23 Apr 07 09:18 PM

When using the message below, is a comma used?

Congratulations Blake

  
Grammarwannabe  #354830  Tue, 24 Apr 07 05:19 AM

It depends:

If it is used like you would a closing in a letter, you would say

congratulations, Blake (you are Blake and are congratulating someone)

If, however, you want to say congatulations to Blake, you don't need a comma.

Congratulations Blake

  
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Yoong Liat  #354908  Tue, 24 Apr 07 12:44 PM
 Grammarwannabe wrote:

If, however, you want to say congatulations to Blake, you don't need a comma.

Congratulations Blake


Congratulations, Blake. (A comma is required.)
  
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Grammar Geek  #354965  Tue, 24 Apr 07 03:00 PM

I hesitate to say it's required. When it's this short, the comma is often omitted.

It's been a long time since we've seen you, Bill. -- That should have a comma. But a simple "Contratulations!" really doesn't need one.

  
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Yoong Liat  #355030  Tue, 24 Apr 07 04:58 PM
 Grammar Geek wrote:

I hesitate to say it's required. When it's this short, the comma is often omitted.

It's been a long time since we've seen you, Bill. -- That should have a comma. But a simple "Contratulations!" really doesn't need one.


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I wonder this is another case involving Br and AmE.


  
TheyCantBeSingular  #359844  Thu, 03 May 07 09:46 PM
I doubt this is a difference between Br/AmE.  The "addressive comma" (undoubtedly not the correct term) is always correct.  The common usage along the lines of "Congratulations John" is hopelessly incorrect, and it is no more made correct through frequency of use than "The tiger stubbed it's toe" or "Go get the Smith's!  They're house is on fire!"
  
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