---
title: "Commas with yes, no, and names"
description: "Use commas after introductory yes/no responses, before tag questions, and around names used in direct address"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/commas-with-yes-no-and-names-mt_AfIzLRvMgW
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/commas-with-yes-no-and-names-mt_AfIzLRvMgW.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Commas with yes, no, and names

Use commas after introductory yes/no responses, before tag questions, and around names used in direct address

Subject: English · Area: Grammar & Punctuation · Ages 10 to 11
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/commas-with-yes-no-and-names-mt_AfIzLRvMgW

## Ready when they can

- Use a comma after an introductory yes/no response, such as 'Yes, I understand'
- Punctuate tag questions correctly such as 'It's cold today, isn't it?'
- Use commas to set off names in direct address such as 'Sarah, please pass the salt'

## Lesson: Commas with yes, no, and names

When yes or no gives an answer before the rest of a sentence, put a comma after it: 'Yes, we can stay.' 'No, we cannot stay.' This rule is for answer words. In 'No chairs are left', no describes how many chairs remain. It belongs with chairs, so there is no comma after no.

*(drawing: The speaker addresses Luca. The comma is attached to his name.)*

Set apart the name of someone you are speaking to. At the start: 'Luca, take a seat.' At the end: 'Take a seat, Luca.' In the middle: 'Please, Luca, take a seat.' Use a comma on each side of a name in the middle. In 'Luca takes a seat', you are talking about Luca. Do not put a comma between his name and takes.

A tag question is a short question added to a statement, often to ask for confirmation. Put a comma before the whole tag and a question mark at the end: 'The door is open, isn't it?' 'We arrived early, didn't we?' Keep the words of the tag together.

Check three jobs: an opening yes/no answer, a name spoken to, and a tag question. 'Yes, Nia, we are ready, aren't we?' uses all three. 'Nia is ready.' talks about Nia and has none of them, so it needs no comma. A name used as the subject is not direct address. Use a comma after an opening answer, around a spoken-to name, and before a tag. Check these jobs, not pauses.

**Recap.** Use commas to separate an opening yes/no answer, a spoken-to name and an added tag question.

## Practice

24 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Punctuating Direct Speech](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/punctuating-direct-speech-mt_-mw3JeIjhU)
- [Commas in lists](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/commas-in-lists-mt_ntqNLHsj5n)
- [Four Types of Sentences](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/four-types-of-sentences-mt_u1-UfD0rTH)

## Opens up

- [Writing Character & Dialogue](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/writing-character-and-dialogue-mt_BLzNxSSdWu)