I recently had a reader message me about whether a comma is needed after a name in a sentence. Here’s the example they used:
John Doe, has been flying for more than 16 years and has accumulated over 4,000 hours of flying experience.
In this case, a comma is unnecessary. I’d rewrite it as:
John Doe has been flying for more than 16 years and has accumulated over 4,000 hours of flying experience.
Normally, I’d use a comma after a name if I was addressing that person directly. For example
John Doe, you have been flying for more than 16 years and have accumulated over 4,000 hours of flying experience.
I’d also use a comma if the person I am discussing is the only one, if knowing their name is only parenthetical to the main point of the sentence.
I’m pleased to introduce you to our newest pilot, John Doe, who has been flying for more than 16 years and has accumulated over 4,000 hours of flying experience.
If you’re not addressing the person directly and their name isn’t parenthetical to the main point, you probably don’t need a comma.
While you’re here, check out my article on the 8 times you should use a comma.
