COMMAS AFTER INTRODUCTORY
MATERIAL
MOST INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL IS SET OFF
WITH A COMMA.
Use a comma after an introductory
word, phrase, or clause.
Types of introductory material that
should be set off with commas:
MOST INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL IS SET OFF
WITH A COMMA.
 Phrase
– A group of words that does NOT
contain both a subject and a verb
 Clause
– A group of words that DOES
contain both a subject and a verb, and it
may or may not stand alone, depending
on how it works in the sentence
USE A COMMA AFTER AN INTRODUCTORY
WORD, PHRASE, OR CLAUSE.
 Introductory
Words:
Well, I find it difficult to decide.
Yes, Charles agrees with our plan.
Oh, did he really say that?
TYPES OF INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL THAT
SHOULD BE SET OFF WITH COMMAS:
 Common
Expressions:
Of course, I’ll do it for you.
 Introductory
Adverbs:
Certainly, you may borrow the book.
Frantically, they searched for a parking
spot.
TYPES OF INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL THAT
SHOULD BE SET OFF WITH COMMAS:
 Prepositional
Phrases:
At the very top, my father paused to enjoy the
view.
In the heart of the city, you will find many
skyscrapers.
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES:
NOTE: It is not absolutely necessary to
set off short prepositional phrases,
but sometimes you may find it
necessary to avoid confusion.
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES:
Confusing: Inside the house walls began to
crumble.
Clear: Inside the house, walls began to crumble.
TYPES OF INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL THAT
SHOULD BE SET OFF WITH COMMAS:
 Infinitive
Phrases:
To get to the train before it left, she ran all the
way.
To get to Broadway, they rode in a taxi.
TYPES OF INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL THAT
SHOULD BE SET OFF WITH COMMAS:
 Adverb
Clauses:
When the team got off the plane, hundreds of
onlookers began to cheer.
If you intend to travel to New York this summer,
you should make your plans now.