ACT 7/27/2021: Punctuating Names
Introduction
Today's lesson was focused on punctuating names: Should we put commas around a name?
I have a few examples to help answer that question and will explain in the end what you should look out for on the ACT or SAT, whichever one you choose to take.
Examples
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is the richest man in the world.
Answer: NO commas around "Jeff Bezos".
You cannot take the name out of the sentence because the sentence will sound wrong if you do.
The philosopher Plato had many students in ancient Greece.
Answer: NO commas around "Plato".
Without "Plato", "the philosopher" is not specific and would not be clear to the reader who "the philosopher" actually is.
The first president of the U.S. George Washington camped at Valley Forge.
Answer: YES commas around George Washington.
The first president of the United States, George Washington, camped at Valley Forge.
There is only one first president of the United States.
The sentence would still make sense without "George Washington".
What to Look Out for
If the name is necessary information, meaning it is necessary for the sentence to make sense, then you should not put a comma after the name, like in example 2.
If the name is just additional information, meaning the sentence would still sound correct if you removed the name, then you must put a comma around the name (both in front and behind).
Rule of thumb: If the name is needed, don't put commas.