---
title: "Commas After Introductory Elements"
description: "Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence, including introductory words, phrases, and clauses"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/commas-after-introductory-elements-mt_0wUwxyBs5y
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/commas-after-introductory-elements-mt_0wUwxyBs5y.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Commas After Introductory Elements

Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence, including introductory words, phrases, and clauses

Subject: English · Area: Grammar & Punctuation · Ages 10 to 11
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/commas-after-introductory-elements-mt_0wUwxyBs5y

## Ready when they can

- 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'

## Lesson: Commas after introductory elements

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.

**Example.** 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.

**Example.** 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."

*(drawing: The comma sits right where the opening part ends, before the main sentence begins.)*

**Tip.** 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.

**Recap.** A word, phrase, or clause that opens a sentence gets a comma right after it, before the main sentence continues.

## Practice

24 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Fronted Adverbials and Commas](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/fronted-adverbials-and-commas-mt_0QJoKWABdC)
- [Commas in lists](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/commas-in-lists-mt_ntqNLHsj5n)
- [Subordinate clauses](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/subordinate-clauses-mt_wq-1OJ_8s5)

## Opens up

- [Advanced Punctuation for Clarity](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/advanced-punctuation-for-clarity-mt_lsO9O-_eZH)