Thursday, April 9, 2009

A comma usually follows introductory words, phrases, and clauses.

Harbrace 12b: A comma usually follows introductory words, phrases, and clauses.

Adverb clause, independent clause.
Introductory phrase, subject + predicate
Introductory word, subject + predicate

(1) Adverb clauses before independent clauses
When you write, you make a sound in the reader's head.
-- Russell Baker

[Rule of thumb: always use a comma with an introductory group of words that has a verb form in it.]

(2) Introductory phrases before independent clauses
Prepositional phrases:
From the deck, I could not see my father, but I could see my mother facing the ship, her eyes searching to pick me out.
-- Jamaica Kincaid

BUT:
Omit the comma after introductory prepositional phrases when no misreading would result.

[Rule of thumb: use a comma after an introductory phrase of four words or more.]

(3) Introductory transitional expressions, conjunctive adverbs, interjections, and an introductory yes or no.
Furthermore, benefits include maternity leave of eight weeks . . .
Well, move the ball or move the body. -- Allen Jackson
Yes, I bought my tickets yesterday.

4 comments:

Hugh Ishii said...

So it won't be too difficult for the individuals to proceed with all those possible values and objects which must have been followed herewith. online thesis writing

Unknown said...

The Interim Management Assignment Lifecycle acts as a guide for interim managers and employers, setting out clear stages of progression for an upcoming contract. This article goes through each stage and what it entails. accounting capstone project

Unknown said...

There ar several licenced nursing faculties in CA. If you reside within the southern CA space here ar a number of nursing faculties you may wish to contemplate. more

aliyaa said...

Some expressions need comma when there is basically no need of it. The experts believe that it should be simple and understandable. So click here to get more information.