a. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. Consider the below examples of sentences containing properly placed and omitted commas: The mother went to the store, but the child went to school.The mother went to the store is a word group which can stand alone as a sentence (independent clause). When you use an introductory phrase in your writing, you’re signaling to the reader that the central message of the sentence is yet to come. Sometimes a comma is necessary after an introductory phrase. Commas after Introductory Words DRAFT. A comma should be used after an introductory word to separate this word from the main sentence. When the introductory phrase is a restrictive appositive phrase, don’t use a comma to separate it from the main clause. There are several types of introductory phrases, including prepositional phrases and appositive phrases. These are often used as transition words, to link one sentence to the next. Before a coordinating conjunction when it separates an independent and dependent clause as an Oxford comma. Although we had reviewed the film twice before, we never noticed these details about the shooting. Live Game Live. There are no strict rules about when to add a comma after an introductory phrase. Consider the sample sentences below: This same rule applies to introductory clauses. By “introductory phrase,” we mean any group of words used to frame or modify a sentence that isn’t a complete clause. Shorter adverbial phrases are less likely to merit a comma than longer ones. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. Note: When the last comma in a series comes before and or or (after daughter-in-law in the above example), it is known as the Oxford comma.Most newspapers and magazines drop the Oxford comma in a simple series, … A comma is used after these clauses to separate them from the sub-idea or the related idea which follows afterwards. Since it's clear without the comma, modern grammarians consider this correct (and consider the comma version correct, too). Solo Practice. The Chicago Manual of Style also indicates that the comma after an introductory adverb phrase may be left out: An introductory adverbial phrase is often set off by a comma but need not be unless misreading is likely. You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. A nonrestrictive appositive phrase isn’t necessary but simply adds information to the sentence. When my dog needs exercise, I take her for a long walk on the beach. To play this quiz, please finish editing it. After introductory words, we use a comma to separate the introductory word from the independent clause. Use a comma after prepositional phrases of five or more words, use a comma to eliminate confusion, and use a comma when a series of prepositional phrases starts the sentence. Well, first off, this … Practice. Consider the below examples of sentences containing properly placed and omitted commas: When your introductory phrase actually contains two prepositional phrases, it’s best to use a comma. 6 years ago. The example appositive phrase above is nonrestrictive because the sentence still makes sense without the phrase; it just doesn’t include as much information. Commas After Introductory Phrases Let’s start in broad terms. I have seen "then" written both with a comma and without one, but I remember reading somewhere that you never put a comma after the word "then". In this post, we offer some punctuation advice and look at when to use a comma after introductory phrases, clauses, and words. After a subordinate clause—one that starts with a subordinating conjunction. Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer to the beginning or middle of … The trend is toward omitting commas after introductory words and phrases unless they're needed for clarity. Today, we are talking about putting commas after introductory words, phrases, and clauses in sentences, otherwise known as introductory “stuff”!!! Introductory words, like introductory phrases, require a comma. Use a comma after introductory words (words that introduce [come before] a main clause). In sentence B, the first comma is correct, but the second well shouldn’t be separated from the rest of the sentence because it’s not an introductory word. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. When an introductory prepositional phrase is very short (less than four words), the comma is usually optional. Save. English. … Use a comma to separate items in a sequence. Before the movie starts let’s get some popcorn. … Commas After Introductory Words, Phrases, and Clauses. Use commas after adverbial phrases and adverbial clauses. But if the phrase is longer than four words, use a comma. Lv 7. You don’t need a comma after an introductory word if the sentence is very short. by pamthackery. Some of the worksheets displayed are Commas basic lesson 1 commas after introductory elements, Using commas after introductory words phrases and clauses, Comma packet, Commas notes work, Commas basic lesson 4 commas with interrupting, Commas six basic uses, P 1a b commas with coordinating conjunctions and, Comma exercises. It is important to note that a comma should always be used if the sentence could be misinterpreted otherwise. Sometimes, a restrictive appositive phrase acts as an introductory phrase. If it’s being used as a conjunction, then go ahead and use a comma. The word and is added before the last noun, which is not followed by a comma. During the production of the film, the director nearly quit. Play. The prepositional phrase adds information to the main clause, often about a location or timing. An introductory phrase is like a clause, but it doesn’t have its own subject and verb; it relies on the subject and verb in the main clause. Today I went to work. After a time phrase that comes before a sentence or independent clause. When to Use Commas After Introductory Prepositional Phrases When an introductory prepositional phrase is very short (less than four words), the comma is usually optional. Example. The child went to school is a word group which can stand alone as a sentence (independent clause).Therefore, there should be a comma before the word but. If you have an introductory word (or two) that is being used as an adverb (usually answers the question of when, where, why, or to what degree), then no comma. (fewer than five words) From the elevator’s control panel, red paint dripped like blood. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. 0. In sentence A, there is no comma after well. Introductory clause: After the meeting was over, the staff was exhausted. Before the movie starts, let’s get some popcorn. Use a comma after phrases and clauses that change the whole sentence. Print; Share; Edit; Delete; Host a game. Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class. In these instances, don’t use a comma to separate the phrase from the subject that it renames. A common way to write a sentence is to start with the subject followed by the verb. The sentence below, however, contains a restrictive appositive: In this case, the appositive is restrictive because it is necessary for the reader to know which opera singer had myopia. Commas and Introductory Elements: When a sentence begins with an adverbial clause, put a comma after it. A list of items can be punctuated like this: We need … When I first started learning about punctuation, I found out that you should always have commas after words such as "today," "sometimes," "yesterday," and so on.Today, I found a website that disagrees, it says: . However, if you write all your sentences this way, your writing will be boring. If you have an introductory word (or two) that is being used as an adverb (usually answers the question of when, where, why, or to what degree), then no comma. Finish Editing. In the examples below, the introductory phrase contains two prepositional phrases: “during the production” and “of the film.”. For example, the highlighted phrase in the sentence below is an appositive phrase because it renames the subject: There are two types of appositive phrases: restrictive and nonrestrictive. (3 answers) Closed 5 years ago. Rule: Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. The rules regarding commas after introductory phrases are complex, but with practice, applying them will become instinctual. Example: The beach I went to is in Fairfield, Connecticut. Many grammarians would also remove the commas around "no doubt" for the same reason. Introductory adverbs need to be set off from the rest of the sentence with commas, UNLESS they are part of a part of a phrase, in which case the entire phrase gets a comma. The 8 Parts of Speech: Examples and Rules, 5 Writing "Rules" That Are Really Guidelines. The award-winning teacher Mrs. Becky Armstrong was honored at graduation for her impact on students’ lives. Once you find your worksheet, click on pop-out … Comma after introductory words, phrases, clauses: unacceptable, obligatory or optional? 90% average accuracy. The 8 Parts of Speech: Examples and Rules, 5 Writing "Rules" That Are Really Guidelines, Tone vs. Here are a couple of examples: “Someday, I’d like to go on a cruise.” Introductory phrase: While getting ready for bed, Susan heard a knock at the door. 0 0. You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. Clauses which provide readers with the main idea of the text that follow and set the stage for the topic are known as introductory clauses. Delete Quiz. It sets the stage for the main part of the sentence. A comma comes after every coordinating adjective except for the last adjective. About the Book Author Here is an example of a sentence with introductory words: After the dance, they went home. Commas After Introductory Phrases. Here is another example of a sentence with introductory words; Because the rain started, she rolled up the windows. The traditional rule is to use commas to separateintroductory elements from the main sentence. An introductory participial phrase should be set off by a comma unless the sentence is inverted and the phrase immediately precedes the verb. Rule 1. 1. Other times, the comma is optional, and there are also times when a comma should not be used. When you list three or more items, it’s best to put a … (five or more words) An appositive phrase is a phrase that renames the subject of the sentence. Introductory clauses often begin with words like: after, although, because, before, if, since, until, and when. You Can Drop the Comma after a One-word "Introduction" When a fronted adverbial is just one word (e.g., "Yesterday," "Here," "Now"), it is a common practice to drop the comma. To use it properly, you need to use a comma after the introductory prepositional phrase to set it apart from the rest of the sentence if the phrase is longer than four words. Here’s a tip: Commas can be tricky, but they don’t have to trip you up. By ‘introductory phrase’, we mean any group of words used to frame or modify a sentence that isn’t a complete clause. Edit. But if the phrase is longer than four words, use a comma. Use a comma between a city and state. Mood: How to Use Tone and Mood in Your Writing, Beware of These Common Consistency Issues in Writing, Happy New Year, New Year’s, or New Years? Between the towering city buildings, the sky could be seen. Cacoethes Scribendi. 0. Well is an introductory word that a comma should separate from the rest of the sentence. This quiz is incomplete! On the counter sat a bundle of old letters. Homework. This minimises punctuation in very short sentences. If You Use a Serial Comma, Use it Consistently. 6th grade . Let’s start in broad terms. A restrictive appositive phrase is one that is necessary to the meaning of the sentence. After riding his bike around the neighborhood twice, Rob was sweating profusely. After a Dependent Clause at the Beginning of a Sentence . Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew. After an initial/introductory adverb that modifies a whole sentence or independent clause. Before eating, Lauren put the pots in the sink to soak. While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door. Use a comma because the introductory prepositional phrase is more than four words. I would like to know what the rule is, if there is one, behind the use of commas after all sequence words except then. The award-winning teacher, Mrs. Becky Armstrong, was honored at graduation for her impact on students’ lives. Played 167 times. During the production of the film the director nearly quit. The introductory word in the sentence will frequently be an adverb. After introductory words, we use a comma to separate the introductory word from the independent clause. For example, writing guides usually say to use a comma after every introductory element—whether word, phrase or clause—to clarify where it ends and the rest of the sentence begins. However, if “today” comes at the beginning of the sentence as an introductory word, then it should be followed by a comma. Common examples are however, meanwhile, suddenly, finally, besides, and still. As the day drew to a smoky end, the firefighters put out the last of the embers. While we were hiking we spotted a … Edit. Use a comma to clarify that no one is eating Lauren. Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. -- Created using Powtoon -- Free sign up at http://www.powtoon.com/youtube/ -- Create animated videos and animated presentations for free. Use a comma after an introductory adverb prepositional phrase unless it is very short (3-4 words) and is not likely to be misunderstood. They went home is the main clause. a year ago. A comma comes after each noun in a list. How to Wish Someone Well in 2021. Share practice link. Introductory words, like introductory phrases, require a comma.