Does an introductory clause or phrase need a comma after it?: Difference between revisions
(Created page with "'''"Does an introductory clause or phrase need a comma after it?"''' It is appropriate to use a comma after an introductory a) clause, b) phrase, or c) word that comes befor...") |
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Use a comma following an introductory phrase that includes: infinitive and participle phrases, nonessential appositive phrases, absolute phrases,and long prepositional phrases. | Use a comma following an introductory phrase that includes: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinitive infinitive] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Participle participle] phrases, nonessential [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apposition appositive] phrases, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_construction absolute] phrases,and long [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adpositional_phrase prepositional] phrases. | ||
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W.W. Norton lists a stylistic '''exception''': "To accelerate the pace of their sentences, writers sometimes skip the comma after an introductory adverb or short introductory phrase. | W.W. Norton lists a stylistic '''exception''': "To accelerate the pace of their sentences, writers sometimes skip the comma after an introductory adverb or short introductory phrase"<ref>[http://www.wwnorton.com/college/english/write/waor/CH29.pdf W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.]</ref> (p. 455). | ||
==See Also== | |||
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNoSepSmN3Y "Commas After Introductory Clauses and Phrases"] (video) | |||
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91yGM9r0alI "Using a Comma After an Introductory Element"] (video) | |||
==References== | |||
<references/> | |||
==External Links== | |||
[http://www.apsstylemanual.org/oldmanual/mechanics/commas.htm APS Online Style Manual] | [http://www.apsstylemanual.org/oldmanual/mechanics/commas.htm APS Online Style Manual] | ||
[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/owlprint/607/ Purdue OWL] | [http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/owlprint/607/ Purdue OWL] | ||
Revision as of 02:50, 19 July 2013
"Does an introductory clause or phrase need a comma after it?"
It is appropriate to use a comma after an introductory a) clause, b) phrase, or c) word that comes before the main clause:
a) Because it was snowing, the flight was delayed.
b) Having completed her work, she went to bed.
c) Yes, you should eat a healthy breakfast.
Use a comma to set off an introductory clause beginning with these frequently used words: after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while.
Use a comma following an introductory phrase that includes: infinitive and participle phrases, nonessential appositive phrases, absolute phrases,and long prepositional phrases.
A comma should be used after an introductory prepositional phrase to avoid misreading:
In all, four students failed the class.
In addition, single introductory words should also be followed by a comma: however, well, yes, unfortunately, etc.
W.W. Norton lists a stylistic exception: "To accelerate the pace of their sentences, writers sometimes skip the comma after an introductory adverb or short introductory phrase"[1] (p. 455).
See Also
"Commas After Introductory Clauses and Phrases" (video)
"Using a Comma After an Introductory Element" (video)
References