Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

When I'm asking a person about something where should I put a person's name? Which of the following is correct?

  1. Jem do you know....?
  2. Do you know Jem...?
share|improve this question
3  
You might be interested in our sister site specifically for English Language Learners. – RegDwighт♦ Feb 6 at 12:15
4  
Tom, why didn't you read the instructions first? Why didn't you read the instructions first, Tom? Why, Tom, didn't you read the instructions first? Why didn't you (Tom) read the instructions first? – GEdgar Feb 6 at 13:12
@GEdgar: Thanks! – sll Feb 6 at 15:05

1 Answer

up vote 6 down vote accepted

Either. Both lack commas to separate the clause which specifies who you are addressing from what you are asking:

Jem, do you know…?

Do you know, Jem,…?

Without that, the first is strange and the second would appear at first to be asking someone if they knew Jem.

share|improve this answer
Thanks this makes sense for me – sll Feb 6 at 15:05

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.