Using Commas: Introductory Phrases and Clauses

Use a comma after introductory phrases.

Barking insistently, the neighbor's dog convinced us to throw his ball for him. A popular and well-respected student, Jeffery was the obvious choice for student body president.

Use commas after an introductory clause in a sentence. An introductory clause is the dependent clause (incomplete sentence) that introduces the independent clause.

Because my brother ate our marshmallows, we could not make s'mores. After I went to the store, I remembered that I left my purse at home.

Introductory words often create continuity or flow between sentences. Use a comma after an introductory word.

However, there are no other options left. Meanwhile, Sam was still lost at the park. Yes, I will go to prom with you.

Do not use a comma if a dependent clause follows the independent clause, except in cases of extreme contrast.

Incorrect: I remembered that I left my purse at home, after I went to the store. Correct: She was very upset, although she had just passed her driver's test.

What are common examples of words used in introductory clauses.

after, although, as, because, if, since, when, and while.

What are some examples of introductory words? however, still, furthermore, meanwhile, yes, and well.

however, still, furthermore, meanwhile, yes, and well.

How are Introductory phrases and introductory clauses similar?

they are not complete clauses because they don't contain a subject-predicate pair.