Homework and Class Work for ENG 100B
Monday, Nov. 26, 2012
1st Pd: Cole Stamper
2nd Pd: Tristin Hamrick
INDEPENDENT WORK:
Commas – Introductory Elements
RULE 5: Use a comma after certain introductory elements.
(A) Use a comma after words such as well, yes, no, and why when they begin a sentence.
EXAMPLES
Yes, I heard your question.
Well, I really haven’t thought about it.
No, I don’t think I’ll go to the movie.
Why, I can’t imagine where I left the keys.
(B) Use a comma after an introductory participial phrase.
EXAMPLES
Looking poised and calm, Jill sauntered toward the bus stop.
Exhausted after the five-mile hike, the scouts finally sat down to rest.
NOTE Remember that verb forms ending in –ing may also be verbal nouns, or gerunds. When a gerund phrase is
used as the subject of a sentence, do not mistake it for an introductory participial phrase.
A gerund is a word ending in –ing that is formed from a verb and is used as a noun, thus a verbal noun.
EXAMPLES swimming, dancing, studying, knitting, cooking
EXAMPLES Following directions is sometimes difficult. [The gerund phrase Following directions is the subject of
the sentence.]
Following directions, I began to assemble the toy. [Following directions is an introductory participial
phrase modifying I.]
(C) Use a comma after a succession of introductory prepositional phrases.
EXAMPLES
In the first round of competition at the golf tournament, I had to play one of the best golfers
in the state.
At the beginning of the second quarter of the game, he scored a touchdown.
NOTE A single introductory prepositional phrase need not be followed by a comma unless it is parenthetical (Rule 6) or
the comma helps to make the meaning clear.
EXAMPLES
For some, tests are always easy. [Without the comma, this sentence could easily be
misunderstood.]
In fact, some students actually enjoy taking tests. [parenthetical expression]
(D) Use a comma after an introductory adverb clause.
An adverb clause is a subordinate or dependent clause that, like an adverb, modifies a verb, an adjective, or an
adverb. Remember that an adverb tells how, when, where, or to what extent (how often or how much) .
EXAMPLES
After my father had locked the car door, he remembered that the keys were still in the ignition.
If I hadn’t had a spare set of keys, we would have had to walk.
An adverb clause that follows an independent clause is usually NOT set off by a comma.
EXAMPLE
Acres of valuable timberland in the state of Washington were destroyed when a volcano erupted
in 1980.
CLASSWORK:
1. Students completed Tutorial Presentations
2. Students should bring Now You See It . . . books to class tomorrow for classwork.