This month let’s consider the comma rule that one must use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases or c) words that come before the main clause.
In other words, use a comma before the subject of the sentence if the subject of the sentence does not start the sentence. Another way to put it is, if a sentence begins with a preposition or adverb, that sentence will need a comma at the end of that clause/phrase/word.
Clause: Contains a subject and a predicate (verb).
Phrase: Does not contain a subject-predicate (verb) unit.
Essentially, the indirect object has been moved to the beginning of the sentence.
The Example:
- Ultimately, the chaos ends after graduation.
- If you try to run a marathon, you should train first.
- When my mother comes to town, we will all go to dinner.
- Filled with joy, the girl jumped into her new swimming pool.
– Submitted by Brian Harrell, Writing Center specialist