The vocative case in English 1
B1–B2 · IntermediateA name or noun phrase is used vocatively when the speaker addresses someone directly, as in Maria, can you help? Distinguish direct address from simply mentioning a person.
Choose whether each of the following sentences uses (or doesn't use) the vocative form.
Example: Bill, you're really handsome! (Vocative)
1. So, James, did you visit your brother in Fort Lauderdale?
Correct answer: Vocative — the name is used to directly address James — that is the vocative case.
2. He asked me if James had finished his online course.
Correct answer: Not vocative — James is the subject of an indirect question — not a direct address.
3. My friends, I am very happy that you all came.
Correct answer: Vocative — my friends directly addresses the audience — classic vocative.
4. I'll see you next week, Mary.
Correct answer: Vocative — Mary is addressed directly at the end of the sentence — vocative.
5. I'll see Mary next week.
Correct answer: Not vocative — Mary is the object of see, not a direct address.
6. I don't understand you, you silly boy.
Correct answer: Vocative — you silly boy directly addresses the person being spoken to.
7. John, stop crying!
Correct answer: Vocative — John is addressed directly with an imperative — vocative.
8. Ladies and gentlemen, this is my daughter.
Correct answer: Not vocative — my daughter is introduced to the audience, not addressed.
9. You got your degree? I'm so proud of you!
Correct answer: Not vocative — you here is the object of proud of, not a direct address.
10. I didn't do anything wrong, officer.
Correct answer: Vocative — officer directly addresses the person — classic vocative at the end of a clause.
KEEP PRACTICING — MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU:
More writing mechanics exercises:
Prefixes and suffixes 1
Antonyms 1 (A1/A2)
Change or exchange? 1 (B2)
Comma splices 1
Comma splices 2 (C1-C2)
Dangling modifiers 1
Dangling modifiers 2 (C1-C2)
Avoiding double negatives 1
Avoiding double negatives 2 (B1/B2)
Related word order exercises:
Word order 1 (A1/A2)
Word order 2 (B1/B2)
Conjunctions 1 (B1/B2)
Conjunctions 2 (B1-C1)
Browse all grammar exercises →
More writing mechanics exercises:
Prefixes and suffixes 1
Antonyms 1 (A1/A2)
Change or exchange? 1 (B2)
Comma splices 1
Comma splices 2 (C1-C2)
Dangling modifiers 1
Dangling modifiers 2 (C1-C2)
Avoiding double negatives 1
Avoiding double negatives 2 (B1/B2)
Related word order exercises:
Word order 1 (A1/A2)
Word order 2 (B1/B2)
Conjunctions 1 (B1/B2)
Conjunctions 2 (B1-C1)
Browse all grammar exercises →
