This document discusses the use of commas after introductory elements in sentences. It defines introductory words, phrases, and clauses and provides examples of each. The document also outlines rules for when to use a comma after introductory elements, such as after introductory clauses or phrases over five words, and when not to use a comma, such as after brief prepositional phrases under four words. The goal is to help determine proper comma usage after words or structures that begin a sentence.

1. COMMAS AFTER
INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL
BY: MEGHAN HARRIS AND JOEY HAINES

2. INTRODUCTORY WORDS
• Introductory words such as meanwhile, still,
furthermore, and however are used to introduce
sentences that often are linked to the sentence
before it.
The explosion devastated the city. Meanwhile,
rescue operations were underway.
The runner was in last place. However, there
was still two more laps.

3. INTRODUCTORY PHRASES
• Phrases, unlike clauses, don’t have a subject and a verb
separate from the subject and verb of the main
sentence.
• Prepositional phrases, infinitive phrases, and appositive
phrases are a few common types of introductory
phrases.
Along the busy, six-lane highway, the car wreck left
many injured.
• The above phrase is an introductory prepositional
phrase.
To kill a fly, the average housemaid must use a
flyswatter instead of her hand due to the fly’s tactical hairs.
• The above phrase is an introductory infinitive phrase.

4. INTRODUCTORY CLAUSES
• Introductory clauses are dependent clauses that “set the
stage” for the main part of the sentence, the independent
clause.
• Introductory clauses begin with adverbs such as because,
after, although, if, since, until, and when to name a few.
Because he slept all day, he received a bad grade on
his exam.
• This introductory clause starts with because and the clause
is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone as a
complete sentence.
If the worker wants the pay raise, the worker must
come make sure he comes to work on time.
• This introductory clause starts with if and is also a
dependent clause.

5. WHEN TO USE A COMMA IN
INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS
• After an introductory clause, try asking yourself if the
introductory clause has a subject and a verb of its
own.
• After an introductory phrase or after a long
introductory phrase of more than five words should
be set off from the main clause by a comma.
Usually these phrases will begin with a preposition
such as beneath, after, and during.
• After common introductory words such as yes and
however.

6. WHEN NOT TO USE A COMMA IN
INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS
• After a brief prepositional phrase that is fewer than
4 words.
• If a dependent clause follows a main clause except
if there is an extreme contrast.
She was very happy, even though her brother
has just died.
• Here the dependent clause follows the main
clause, but the sentences contrast greatly.