When to use a comma after a proper name:
* Direct Address: When addressing someone directly, you use a comma after their name.
* Example: "Hello, Sarah. How are you today?"
* Appositive: When a proper name is used to clarify or identify another noun, it's usually set off by commas.
* Example: "My neighbor, John Smith, is a lawyer."
* In a series: If a proper name is part of a series, you use commas to separate the items.
* Example: "The attendees were Sarah, John, and Emily."
* After a salutation in a letter:
* Example: "Dear John,"
When NOT to use a comma after a proper name:
* When it's part of a title:
* Example: "The book was written by John Smith."
* When it's part of a possessive phrase:
* Example: "John's car is red."
* When it's part of a compound subject or object:
* Example: "John and Mary went to the store."
Key takeaway:
The use of a comma after a proper name is determined by its grammatical function within the sentence. Consider the sentence's structure and the role of the proper noun to decide whether a comma is necessary.