1. Introductory Commas Sospi Thomas Bay Mills Community College December 1, 2009

2. Introductory Comma Rules • Use comma when word, phrase, or clause is in beginning of the sentence.

3. Introductory Comma Chart

4. Correct Sentences Using Introductory Commas • Unfortunately, Peter was not able to attend the parent teacher conference. • When Tiffany went shopping, she forgot to bring her credit cards. • Scrambling for her car keys, Alexa was late for her morning class.

5. Incorrect Sentences/Correct Sentences • Jolting awake Evie screamed, “My pancake is on fire!” • Jolting awake, Evie screamed, “My pancake is on fire!” • In fact Evie had just fallen asleep twenty minutes ago. • In fact, Evie had just fallen asleep twenty minutes ago.

6. Incorrect Sentences/Correct Sentences • Playing tennis Dante sprained his ankle. • Playing tennis, Dante sprained his ankle. • During his entire career Alik never liked the secretary across the hall. • During his entire career, Alik never liked the secretary across the hall.

7. Introductory Comma Uses • Introductory commas are used to set off words. • Introduction commas are also used for setting off phrases. • Introduction commas are used for setting off clauses too.