10.116 position of vocatives

Vocatives are often used at the end of a sentence or clause. In writing, they are usually preceded by a comma.

• Where are you staying, Mr Swallow?
• Thanks, love.

You can put them at the beginning of a sentence in order to attract someone's attention before speaking to them.

• John, how long have you been at the university?
• Dad, why have you got that suit on?