Commas and Introductory Phrases

1
Come on, well soon gallop through this.
Commas and Introductory Phrases
In this cell, we hope that you will learn how to
use a comma to separate an introductory phrase
from the main sentence.
Many years ago, I rode a horse.
Introductory Phrase
Main Statement
2
A phrase is a group of words that may give you
some some information but do not make a sentence.
Here are some examples last week, years
ago, when it rains, all too often,
without doubt
Sometimes, a phrase is used to introduce the
sentence. Like this All too often, the girl had
been treated unfairly.
Introductory Phrase
Main Sentence
A phrase used in this way is called an
introductory phrase.
3
What is the introductory phrase in the
following? Last week, I went on my holiday.
Last week
What is the main statement in made by the
following sentence? Last week, I went on my
holiday.
I went on my holiday.
What is the introductory phrase in the
following? Many years ago, the train was the
fastest in the world.
Many years ago
4
What is the introductory phrase in the
following? Despite the bad publicity, the film
was a success.
Despite the bad publicity
What is the main statement in the following? When
in doubt, I read the instructions again.
I read the instructions again.
What is the introductory phrase in the
following? Unaware of the danger, the mechanic
fitted the faulty parts
Unaware of the danger
5
A comma is used to separate the introductory
phrase from the main staetement. Here is an
example Ten years ago, I went to Spain for a
holiday.
Introductory phrase
Main statement of the sentence
Which word is needed to complete the blank in the
following sentence? A _____ is used to separate
the introductory phrase from the sentences main
statement.
comma
Where should a comma be used in the following? On
sunny days fish could be seen swimming in the
pond.
days, fish
6
Where should a comma be used in the
following? Several years ago he purchased the
car.
ago, he
What punctuation mark should be used between the
introductory phrase and the main statement?
A comma
Between which two words is a comma required in
the following? Despite failing three times I was
determined to pass the driving test.
times, I
Despite everything, Ill get you there!
7
Between which two words is a comma required in
the following?
As it was raining I took my coat.
raining, I
When I was young I played with Lego.
young, I
Try as I might, I could not forget the incident.
might, I
In the spring flowers grew in the garden.
spring, flowers
If I get the job, I will do it properly.
job, I
8
Between which two words is a comma required in
the following?
When its cold I wear thick socks.
cold, I
To young children adults seem very tall.
children, adults
At the end of the game, the players were
exhausted.
might, I
At the weekend we went sailing.
weekend, we
When its raining the children stay inside during
their breaks.
raining, theI
9
If the phrase comes before the sentences main
statement, a comma is required. By this
time, I was prepared to take legal action. If
the phrase comes after the sentences main
statement, a comma is not required. I was
prepared to take legal action by this time.
Comma
Main statement
Phrase
Phrase
A comma is NOT required
Main statement
10
In which of the following sentences is the phrase
after the main statement? a) The man worked all
day despite the cold weather. b) Despite the
heavy snow, the game was played.
a) The man worked all day despite the cold
weather.
Which of the following sentences requires a comma
after the introductory phrase? a) On a clear day
the views are beautiful. b) The views are
beautiful on a clear day.
a) On a clear day, the views are beautiful.
If the introductory phrase comes before the main
statement, what punctuation mark is required?
A comma
11
If words in green type in the following sentence
were placed at the front of the sentence, would a
comma be required? The children were delighted
when they received their presents.
Yes (When they received their presents, the
children were delighted.)
You are making progress!
Is a comma required when the phrase comes after
the main statement?
No
Is a comma required when the phrase comes before
the main statement?
Yes
12
In which of the following sentences is the comma
not required? a) In the winter, some birds
migrate. b) Some birds migrate, in the winter.
Some birds migrate, in the winter.

• Which of the following sentences requires a comma
  after the introductory phrase?
• In the evening it is cool and pleasant.
• It is cool and pleasant in the evening.

In the evening, it is cool and pleasant.
13
Well done, youve finished Cell 8.
Take a short break and then do the assessment
questions on the next slide.
We hope that you have learned how to use a comma
after the introductory phrase.
14

• Cell 8 Assessment
• What is the part of the following sentence called
  that has been underlined?
• When its cold, I wear my woolly hat.
• 2. If the introductory phrase comes after the
  sentences main statement is a comma required?
• 3. What punctuation mark should be used after the
  word ago in the following sentence?
• Some time ago I joined the gym.
• 4. In which of the following two sentences is a
  comma required?
• a) In the pouring rain we walked along the beech.
• b) We walked along the beech in the pouring rain.

15

• Cell 8 Assessment Answers
• Introductory phrase.
• 2. Yes
• 3. A comma
• 4. a) In the pouring rain, we walked along the
  beech.