The punctuation rule we’ll discuss in this post is the use of a comma after an introductory element in a sentence. In these cases, you don’t need a comma before the phrase. SURVEY . The Chicago Manual of Style* states: "Introductory phrase with comma. Q. You can often use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of a sentence. Introductory Adverb Prepositional Phrases. Without spoiling the surprise, we need to tell her to save the date. These are often used as transition words, to link one sentence to the next. You should put a comma after an introductory clause or phrase: Though the agency had studied this issue before, it went ahead with another study. Before a coordinating conjunction when it separates an independent and dependent clause as an Oxford comma. The prepositional phrase adds information to the main clause, often about a location or timing. After longer introductory phrases (e.g. … A participle is a verb that ends in ing (present tense) or ed (past tense), as well as the alternate endings for irregular verbs. A comma separates introductory words, phrases and clauses from the main clause of the sentence. There are no strict rules about when to add a comma after an introductory phrase. In a list of three or more elements, … My dad went grocery shopping. Which sentence requires a comma after the introductory phrase? Use a comma after an introductory participial phrase. I was a student before I started this job. So you only need a comma when the dependent clause comes first! Whether a sentence leads with an introductory phrase or word, a comma comes after it. Trusted by thousands of leading institutions and businesses, Punctuation Tips: Commas After Introductory Phrases. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Prepositional phrases of five or more words require a comma: Beneath the dusty redwood table, the cat crouched with murderous anticipation. This simpler structure can be easier to read. A comma may also set off a single prepositional phrase at the beginning to make the sentence clear. You can use introductory phrases and words to frame or modify a sentence in your writing. After researching the issue, the committee settled the dispute before the media even noticed. If I were you, I would research the case thoroughly. A participial phrase acts as an adjective–it modifies a noun. (Introductory dependent clause.) You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. We sometimes have trouble deciding whether or not to follow a sentence’s introductory word, phrase, or clause with a comma. Introductory words, like introductory phrases, require a comma. Commas are placed after the introductory clause, phase or words. The first five items are true/false statements, and the last five ask you to judge whether the example does or does not follow Chicago style. You will also need want to add a comma after the introduction when a sentence begins with a dependent clause. Use a comma because the introductory prepositional phrase is more than four words. After a Dependent Clause at the Beginning of a Sentence . In this case, the introductory word tells us how the reader feels about the rest of the sentence. The words ‘gate’ and ‘gait’ sound the same, but they have different meanings. Some would argue that there is no grammatical reason why you would need that comma there. You can also include one for shorter phrases, but this is optional: It’s worth checking your style guide if you’re using one, though, as some will specify how many words to use before you should add a comma. The children went to the zoo. 120 seconds . Before I started this job, I was a student. This is the second of the ... All sorts of words or word groups can introduce or begin a sentence, from a single word or short phrase to a clause: short phrase: In 1865, the Civil War ended. Introductory clauses often begin with words like: after, although, because, before, if, since, until, and when. Using commas after introductory phrases or other words. https://owl.purdue.edu/.../commas/commas_after_introductions.html I’m so glad you asked. Likewise, we can use an adverb to frame a sentence with an opinion or attitude. Rule: Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. 1. Examples: For the man who ran a marathon, the race seemed to go on forever. four words or more). If you’re using a word to introduce a sentence like this, always include a comma. Introductory clauses and phrases that require an offsetting comma include prepositional phrases and clauses, infinitive phrases, participle phrases, dependent/subordinate clauses, nonessential appositive phrases and absolute phrases. Between the towering city buildings, the sky could be seen. Consider the sample sentences below: This same rule applies to introductory clauses. It does depend upon the type of phrase, though. This comma lets the reader know where the introductory word or phrase ends and the main sentence begins. Use commas after introductory words or phrases. You may notice a comma that appears near the beginning of the sentence, usually after a word or phrase. But when do you need a comma after an introductory element? There is usually a comma after an introductory phrase. By ‘introductory phrase’, we mean any group of words used to frame or modify a sentence that isn’t a complete clause. By “introductory phrase,” we mean any group of words used to frame or modify a sentence that isn’t a complete clause. Sentence adverbs are words that modify a full sentence, not just part of it. Here are a couple of examples: “Someday, I’d like to go on a cruise.” Shorter adverbial phrases are less likely to merit a comma than longer ones. Correct:Under the kitchen table the dog cowered. For instance: After thinking long and hard, Megan decided to confront Beth. When a word or phrase forms an introduction … However, common guidelines for when to use a comma include: When an introductory phrase is … If it's being used as a conjunction, then go ahead and use a comma. Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox. We’ll explore both sentence and conjunctive adverbs in a moment, but let’s look at adverbs in general first. However, common guidelines for when to use a comma include: When an introductory phrase is … Commas After Introductory Words, Phrases, and Clauses. While we were eating my mom packed. The punctuation marks serve to indicate how the sentence is to be read aloud. answer choices . 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