Because it still makes the point and clarifies the main sentence in this new position, we can determine that it is an introductory phrase and thus that it ought to be concluded with a comma if it is placed at the beginning of the main sentence, or preceded by a comma when it is placed at the end. The introductory phrase needs a comma if it will be placed at the beginning of the main thought, but may not if it is placed at the end.
This is because it can function as either introductory language or an essential statement see below. If it comes later in the sentence, the conjunction will suggest whether to use a comma or not. If the introductory sentence, when placed at the end of the main clause, no longer properly introduces, clarifies, or amends the main clause, you may have two independent clauses.
Follow the rules from section A above for dealing with independent clauses. Each of the following sentences may look like it requires a comma after the opening segment marked with an x , but the opening segment is really the subject. It's sometimes easy to confuse gerund- or infinitive-phrase subjects like the following with nonessential introductory phrases, so be careful. General Writing Punctuation Commas. Commas After Introductions Summary: This resource offers a number of pages about comma use.
Introductory clauses start with adverbs like after, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, until, when, etc. A popular and well respected mayor, Bailey was the clear favorite in the campaign for governor. As the man was walking into the store, he came face to face with his childhood sweetheart. Try Grammarly for free.
As with many other rules in English grammar, the comma-after-introductory-clauses rule comes with an exception. When the introductory clause is short, the comma may be omitted as a matter of style. See the example below: Grabbing her umbrella, Kate raced out of the house. Grabbing her umbrella Kate raced out of the house. When you start with an appositive phrase, you often need to use a comma after it. If the phrase is a nice addition to the sentence but is not necessary for clarity, you should use a comma:.
However, if the introductory appositive phrase is necessary to the sentence, you should not use a comma. Consider whether the phrase adds important clarifying information about the subject. These examples can clear up any confusion:.
This is because you pause after the introductory phrase when you say the sentence aloud. However, like all aspects of the English language, there are a few exceptions. Learn more about comma usage rules to become a confident writer. All rights reserved. Introductory phrase horse galloping quickly. What Is an Introductory Phrase? You can see how this works in this introductory phrase example: Galloping quickly , the horse reached the other side of the pasture in less than a minute.
In contrast, this introductory clause example includes both a subject and a verb: Because the horse was galloping quickly , he reached the other side of the pasture in less than a minute. Introductory Prepositional Phrases Examples and Usage In an introductory prepositional phrase , the sentence starts with a preposition and a few words that follow it.
You can see the proper punctuation in these examples: After the severe spring thunderstorm , the sky turned gold. In the very beginning of the story , a boy meets a stray dog. Opening the door to my friend , I discovered that she was not alone.
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