Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory
elements.
Introductory adverb clauses
After he sang, the audience applauded.
Introductory elements
An adverb clause is a dependent clause that
modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb.
Adverb clauses generally answer the questions
how, when, where, why, how, how much, to what
extent, or under what circumstances the action of
the verb takes place.
After he sang, the audience applauded.
After he sang tells when the audience applauded.
Introductory elements
A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) does
not express a complete thought and cannot stand
by itself as a sentence.
when you arrive at the airport in Dallas
What happens when you arrive?
which grow only locally
What grows?
Beware Words
• These words often indicate the start
of a dependent clause. They are
subordinating conjunctions.
after
although as
as if
as long
as
as soon
as
as though because
before
even
though
if
since
so that
though
unless
when
where
wherever
while
so that
Grammar Girl Says…
• If the dependent clause comes at the
end of the sentence, then do not put
a comma before it.
– When Paula and I go to a movie, I
always have to buy the popcorn.
– I always have to buy the popcorn when
Paula and I go to a movie.
Introductory Elements
More Examples:
• When Paula and I go to a movie, I always have to
buy the popcorn.
• I always have to buy the popcorn when Paula and
I go to a movie.
• If Steven is ready, we can leave.
• We can leave if Steven is ready.
• I will go unless you need me here.
• Unless you need me here, I will go.
Introductory elements
Identify whether the following items are
missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. In Mexico a favorite dish is a corn tortilla
with beans.
2. If you’d like more variety in your diet you
could add more whole grains to your meals.
3. Because the soybean is high in protein it has
been a principal crop in Asian countries for
more than five thousand years.
Introductory elements
Identify whether the following items are
missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. In Mexico a favorite dish is a corn tortilla
with beans.
C
Introductory elements
Identify whether the following items are
missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
2. If you’d like more variety in your diet ,you
could add more whole grains to your meals.
M
Introductory elements
Identify whether the following items are
missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
3. Because the soybean is high in protein,it has
been a principal crop in Asian countries for
more than five thousand years.
M
Introductory elements
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following
sentences.
1. Built ten years ago the bridge needs some repairs.
2. Why that yellow paint is really bright, isn’t it?
3. After one day at summer camp the boys knew
that they would have a good time.
[End of Section]
Introductory elements
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following
sentences.
1. Built ten years ago,the bridge needs some repairs.
2. Why, that yellow paint is really bright, isn’t it?
3. After one day at summer camp,the boys knew
that they would have a good time.