Introductory Elements: Commas

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Introductory Elements Commas
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Where to use a comma
after words such as yes, no, or any mild
exclamation (ex well or why at the beginning of
a sentence.)
Yes, I will go to his house after
school. No, I am not on the basketball
team. Why, of course I will help you with your
homework. Well, what do you think?
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after an introductory participle or a
participial phrase.
After the game, the team ordered
pizza. Exhausted, I climbed into bed and went
to sleep. Determined, the boy did not give
up. Proofreading my essay, I concluded that
it was not my best work.
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after two or more introductory prepositional
phrases or after one long introductory
prepositional phrase.
On the first day of school, everyone was
excited to be back. In the park near my
house, a music festival will take place this
weekend. On the day when the last autumn leaf
finally fell, I packed my bags. Near the
beginning of the trail, the scout leader found
an overturned canoe.
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Note A single short introductory prepositional
phrase does not require a comma unless the phrase
is parenthetical or unless the sentence is
confusing or awkward without the comma. During
spring break we're going camping in the
mountains. (okay without comma) By the way,
you're late. (the comma is needed because the
phrase is parenthetical) From Laura, Lee had
borrowed a sleeping bag and a flashlight. (the
comma is needed to avoid reading Laura Lee)
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Use a coma after an introductory adverb clause
While the orchestra tuned their instruments, the
stagehands checked the curtain. My friends came
over, and as soon as we finished eating, we
cleared the table for mah-jongg.
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The End
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Stay tuned for next week's episode
Colons and Semicolons
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By Amanda Combs and Skylar Cooper