Commas: Part II

Introductory Elements Use a comma after introductory words

or mild interjections. Example: No, we didn’t see any

rattlesnakes while we were hiking.

Introductory Elements: Continued

Use a comma after two or more prepositional phrases at the beginning of a sentence.

Example: After four rounds with the champ, Diaz was ready to call it a day.

Introductory Elements:Continued

Use a comma after verbal phrases and adverb clauses that begin a sentence.

Example: Spinning wildly, the folk dancers left the stage. (verbal)

When the party ended, we started to clean up. (adverb)

Introductory Elements: Continued

Advanced Comp. Only Use a comma after words or phrases

that have been transposed; that is, moved to the beginning of a sentence from their normal position.

If necessary, call Serena for directions.

Your Turn Oh I though you were getting a haircut

tomorrow. Because of a sore throat Janna was

unable to sing her solo.

Interrupters Use commas to set off one or more

words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence.

The judge, after long deliberation, sentenced the prisoners.

Interrupters: Appositives Use commas to set off nonessential

appositives only. The World Series, baseball’s toughest

competition, is held annually in the fall. Above example is nonessential.

Interrupters: Appositives Essential: do not use commas in these

instances. The author Ernest Hemingway is

known for his simple, unadorned writing style.

The musical Les Miserables is based on a novel written by Victory Hugo in 1862.

Interrupters: Direct Address

Use commas to set off nouns of direct address.

Erika, please pass the pasta.

Interrupters: Words/Phrases

See a list on pg. 703 (orange) or pg. 741 (blue)

Our car, I believe, is over there.