Commas After Introductory Elements
Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence, including introductory words, phrases, and clauses
What a learner can do afterwards
- Place commas after introductory adverbs such as 'However' or 'Therefore' at the start of sentences
- Use commas after introductory prepositional phrases like 'In the morning' or 'After the game'
- Punctuate introductory dependent clauses correctly such as 'When the bell rang, we left'
1 · Read
You already know how to move a time phrase like 'after lunch' to the front of a sentence. Many sentences open this way with a word, phrase, or clause first. A comma right after that opening shows where it ends, so a reader can follow the main sentence.
Look at this sentence: However, the crowd stayed quiet. The word "However" is the opening part. A comma goes right after it, then the main sentence, "the crowd stayed quiet," takes over.
Longer openings follow the same rule. In "After the final whistle, the fans cheered," the phrase "After the final whistle" is the opening part, so the comma comes right after it. The rule also covers a whole opening clause, like "When the bell rang, we packed up our books."
Quick test: read the opening part by itself. If it sounds like a beginning that needs the rest of the sentence to finish the thought, such as "Therefore" or "In the morning," put the comma right where that opening part ends.
A word, phrase, or clause that opens a sentence gets a comma right after it, before the main sentence continues.
More to read
Commas in introductory elements
An introductory element is a word or phrase that comes at the very beginning of a sentence and gives extra information. A comma usually separates it from the rest of the sentence, the part with the main subject and verb.
Some introductory elements are single words. They can show a transition, like however or therefore, or an attitude, like luckily or sadly.
Examples: However, the train was cancelled. Luckily, we found our lost dog.
Some introductory elements are phrases, like in the morning or after the game.
Examples: In the morning, I brush my teeth. After the game, we all ate pizza.
Some are whole clauses, which have their own subject and verb.
Example: When the bell rang, we left the classroom.
Commas and introductory elements
In English, you use commas to separate introductory elements from the rest of a sentence. An introductory element is the part at the start that sets the scene before the main idea, like Before dinner or After the rain stopped. Put a comma right after that opening part, and then finish the sentence. For example: After the rain stopped, we went outside to play. Find out how with David and Paige!
Commas in complex sentences
A complex sentence has one independent clause, which is a complete thought, and at least one dependent clause, which is not a complete thought on its own.
When the dependent clause comes first, put a comma after it.
Examples: Although I love trading card games, keeping up with the newest cards can get expensive. When the bell rang, we left.
The comma tells the reader the opening part is done and the main idea is starting.
Commas in complex sentences
A complex sentence joins one independent clause with one or more dependent clauses.
If the dependent clause comes first, separate it from the independent clause with a comma.
Example: Because of the strong winds, the plane could not take off.
If the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, you usually do not need a comma.
So remember: dependent clause first, comma after it. Independent clause first, usually no comma.
2 · Watch
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