Commas after introductory word groups

(exercises below)

Commas should be used after introductory word groups.  These phrases introduce the main part of a sentence, and the comma shows that the introduction has come to a close.  You will almost always hear a natural pause when you read the sentence out loud, so if you are wondering where to put your comma, try reading the sentence aloud.

Introductory words:

Yes,                             No,                                 However,
Well,                            In fact,                            First,

Example:  First, students. should write down all of the due dates for all major assignments in their calendars. In fact, this information should be written in several places where they will be sure to notic1e. 

Introductory Clauses:

When the air-conditioner is on, you should make sure to close the windows.

When the air-conditioner is on, you should make sure to close the windows.

After they finished doing their homework, Karen and Ann had to go to a meeting for their sorority.

Since Roger had an exam in calculus, he decided not to join his friends to play golf.

Introductory Phrases

Long prepositional phrases will usually require a comma (again, read the sentence out loud and listen for your natural pause)

Fed up with the stupidity of the new sitcoms, Jennifer vowed to stop watching television.

Due to the work she had done as a peer mentor in the fall of 1999, Carolyn was asked to return in the fall of 2000.

INTRODUCTORY WORD GROUPS EXERCISE

Correct the following sentences. Remember, some of them may be correct, so mark “C” next to the sentence if  it is correct.

1.      Since Pete was always online playing computer games  Andy decided to buy his own computer.

2.      Convinced that she would need extra money for college, Andrea applied for a second job at the library.

3.      In fact most students find it hard to sleep past six-o’clock a.m. during the semester, so you may as well take 8:00 classes.

4.      When you write an argumentative essay, you should make sure to consider how your readers will respond.

5.      Once you have formulated a tentative thesis you will be ready to begin doing research.

6.      If you want to succeed in your first semester, you need to make sure to give yourself adequate time to study.

7.      Frightened, we backed into the driveway without a sound.

8.      Because Joanne wanted to graduate by 2003, she decided to take 21 hours in the spring semester.

GET THE ANSWERS TO THE INTRODUCTORY WORD GROUP EXERCISE!