Commas with Introductory Words and Phrases
Commas with Introductory Words and Phrases
Commas with Introductory Words and Phrases
Play the quick video lesson HERE and click the upper left back arrow to return to this lesson.
Common Core Language Standard 2
The comma is often over-used, especially with sentence introductory words and phrases. The comma does indicate a pause and this can be a helpful, but not foolproof rule about when to use or not use this punctuation mark.
Today’s mechanics lesson is on commas after introductory words and phrases. Remember that a phrase is a group of related words without a noun and connected verb.
Now let’s read the mechanics lesson and study the examples.
Use commas after an introductory word or phrase that modifies a word in the main clause or if receives special emphasis. The main clause is the subject, predicate, and any connected words. Place a comma after introductory prepositional phrases with more than four words or after each phrase in a prepositional phrase string. Examples: Smart and fun, the girl was popular. Happily, I was wrong. Under the broken garden fence, I escaped. Over rocks, across the stream, I hiked.
Now circle or highlight what is right and revise what is wrong according to mechanics lesson.
Practice: In the late afternoon, the bees come out. However, they usually just buzz around.
Let’s check the Practice Answers.
Mechanics Practice Answers: In the late afternoon the bees come out. However, they usually just buzz around.
Now let’s apply what we have learned.
Writing Application: Write your own sentence using an introductory phrase.
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