How to Write an Address on One Line
When an address is presented as part of running prose on one line, commas can separate the address elements for readability. That prose convention is different from an official postal address block, where postal standards may call for line structure and minimal punctuation for machine processing.
For a prose-style one-line address, separate the main address elements with commas. For an address that will actually be mailed, follow the postal service’s addressing format instead of converting its delivery block into a prose sentence.
Key details
Important caveats
Boundary
Do not assume that a readable one-line prose address is automatically the preferred machine-readable postal format.
Further guidance
Mailing Format
For an actual mailing label or address block, follow the applicable postal authority’s prescribed line structure and punctuation rules.
Prose Format
In running text, use commas to separate the one-line address elements for readability.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- A to Z of style — addresses (opens in a new tab)Bristol City Council · Institutional style guidance that one-line addresses use commas between address elements
- Publication 28 — Postal Addressing Standards (opens in a new tab)United States Postal Service · Official postal-addressing standards for machine-readable mailing address blocks and punctuation minimization