1. Common Errors #1: Commas & Introductory Elements
Mr. Eble
English

2. An example of the common error:
For the following slides, write the notes in bold.

3. An Introductory Element…
…sets the stage for the main action of the sentence.
There are many kinds:
Introductory clauses are dependent clauses that provide background information for the main part of the sentence.
Example: Because he was hungry in the morning, Noah ate nine granola bars.

4. Introductory phrases set the stage for the main action of the sentence, but they are not complete clauses.
EXAMPLES:
A kind man in class, Chris nearly killed people on the football field.
Wearing an untucked shirt, Nick sauntered into class.
After mass, Philip took of his tie and sighed.
To prepare for the game, Daniel stared into a mirror for two hours.

5. Introductory words like however, still, furthermore, and meanwhile create continuity from one clause to the next.
EXAMPLES:
Mr. Eble loves wearing a tie; however, 90-degree heat makes that difficult.
Cheese is a delicious appetizer; still, you cannot eat too much, or you risk constipation.

6. Use a comma in the following cases: After an introductory clause
Before he was a running back, the five-star recruit was a safety.
After a long introductory prepositional phrase or more than one introductory prepositional phrase
A preposition: Anywhere a cat goes…
After introductory verbal phrases, some appositive phrases, or absolute phrases
A terrible speller, the man cried about having to write.
If there is a distinct pause: “Let’s eat, Granma!”
To avoid confusion