Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

VOCATIVES

116

Unlike many other languages, English does not have ways of addressing people

formally or informally by means of different pronouns or other grammatical

devices. In English, the relative formality of terms of address is managed by means

of vocatives, i.e. the use of the addressee’s name (Jane, Mr Lambert) or a term of

kinship (mum, grandad) or endearment (darling, love).

Vocatives occur frequently in spoken English. They occur in written English

but in more restricted contexts such as salutations in letters (Dear X) or in direct-

speech reports. In spoken English they are more closely connected with social

intimacy and distance in interpersonal relationships and with the marking of

discourse boundaries (they occur frequently at topic boundaries, 

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118e

). 

English also does not have any standard polite way of addressing strangers. For

example, in British English it is very difficult to know how to attract the attention

of a stranger in the street who may have dropped something. Sir! Madam! are not

commonly used in this situation, and hello, sorry or excuse me are most likely to

be used to attract attention.