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To Set Off a Speaker’s Words
Use a comma to set off the exact words of a speaker from the rest of the sentence.
Maya said, “Baby muskoxen are so cute.”
“Be careful,” Dr. Oakley warned. “They’re little bulldozers.”
“Yes,” Maya replied, “but they’re cute little bulldozers!”
After an Introductory Word or Group of Words
A Word That Expresses Emotion
Use a comma to set off an interjection. An interjection is a word that shows emotion.
“Whoa, that raven is huge!”
The Name of a Person Spoken To
Use a comma to set off the name of someone you are speaking to.
“Willow, did you feed that raven?”
An Introductory Group of Words
Use a comma to set off a group of words that comes before the main part of a sentence.