Name_________________________________
Comma Rule #2
Directions: Read and understand Comma Rule #2. Then show your knowledge of the rule by completing the exercises
below. From now on, you will be expected to always practice this rule correctly with every assignment, formal or informal.
Comma Rule #2- Use a comma after introductory clauses.
Introductory clauses are dependent clauses that provide background information or "set the stage" for the main
part of the sentence, the independent clause. Introductory clauses start with adverbs like after, although, as,
because, before, if, since, though, until, when, etc.
Examples:
1. If they want to win, athletes must exercise every day. (introductory dependent clause, main clause)
2. Because he kept barking insistently, we threw the ball for Smokey. (introductory dependent clause, main
clause)
Introductory phrases also set the stage for the main action of the sentence, but they are not complete clauses.
Introductory phrases DO NOT have both a subject and a verb that are separate from the subject and verb in the
main clause of the sentence. Common introductory phrases include prepositional phrases, appositive phrases,
participial phrases, and infinitive phrases.
Examples:
1. To stay in shape for competition, athletes must exercise every day. (introductory infinitive phrase, main clause)
2. Barking insistently, Smokey got us to throw his ball for him. (introductory participial phrase, main clause)
3. A popular and well-respected mayor, Bailey was the clear favorite in the campaign for governor. (introductory
appositive phrase, main clause)
4. After the adjustment for inflation, real wages have decreased while corporate profits have grown. (introductory
prepositional phrases, main clause)
Introductory words like however, still, furthermore, and meanwhile create continuity from one sentence to the
next.
Examples:
1. The coaches reviewed the game strategy. Meanwhile, the athletes trained on the Nautilus equipment.
2. Most of the evidence seemed convincing. Still, the credibility of some witnesses was in question.
PRACTICE EXERCISES: With a red or green pen, add commas where needed in the following sentences. Write C if a
comma is not needed.
1.
Although the economy remained sluggish the utility company posted a fourth-quarter profit.
2.
I think that the worst has happened whenever the phone rings in the middle of the night.
3.
Read the lead editorial in the Sunday paper when you have a moment.
4.
To get the best possible results he carefully measured the ingredients before he combined them.
5.
Encouraged by her success she tried even harder than before.
6.
To reach the airport in time the French ambassador had to secure a police escort.
7.
Paddling one’s own canoe is the only way to get to the isolated island.
8.
Since the Jacobsens moved in next door we have had more fun at neighborhood functions.
9.
What we are interested in is the work of Anna Dickens, a professor at Duke University.
10.
After meeting for four hours the board adjourned without resolving the problem.
11.
To support our communities many people give their time to volunteer activities.
12.
Waving wildly Carly flagged down a passing motorist.
13.
Sure you can go with us.
14.
Anticipating poor weather conditions the hikers dressed warmly.
15.
Taking out this checkbook my father angrily paid for the broken window.
16.
Eating correctly can mean the difference between life and death.
17.
In addition to eating well one must also exercise regularly.
18.
Located in Paris the Eiffel Tower is a popular tourist attraction.
19.
Although no one believed me I was caught in traffic and could not get to class.
20.
We missed the bus because the alarm clock failed to go off.