Comma after an introductory element handout

5 minutes:rules and explanations

When you begin a sentence with a word or group of words that provides some background, introductory, or otherwise preliminary information, put a comma between this word or phrase and the rest of your sentence. The comma here tells your reader to pause, take the background information into consideration, and get ready to move on to the main part of the sentence.

When to use it?

Introductory elements often require a comma, but not always. Use a comma in the following cases:

After an introductory clause. 

After a long introductory prepositional phrase or more than one introductory prepositional phrase. 

After introductory verbal phrases, some appositive phrases, or absolute phrases.

If there is a distinct pause. 

To avoid confusion. 

When not to use it?

Some introductory elements don't require a comma, and sometimes the subject of a sentence looks like an introductory element but isn't. Do not use a comma in the following cases:

After a brief prepositional phrase. (Is it a single phrase of fewer than five words?)

After a restrictive (essential) appositive phrase. 

To separate the subject from the predicate. 

Examples:

Preparing and submitting his report to the committee for evaluation and possible publication[x] was one of the most difficult tasks Bill had ever attempted.

To start a new business without doing market research and long-term planning in advance[x] would be foolish.

Extracting the most profit for the least expenditure on labor and materials[x] is the primary goal of a capitalist.

DO NOT USE IT!!!

A popular and well respected mayor, Bailey was the clear favorite in the campaign for governor.

Barking insistently, Smokey got us to throw his ball for him.

The wind blowing violently, the townspeople began to seek shelter.

USE IT!!!

10 minutes:practice

Are there any errors in these sentences?

Crying for hours and refusing to sleep 3 year old John convinced his parents to take him to the play garden.

Playing musical instruments and listening to his favorite artists, was his way of relaxing.

However they continued studying Spanish.

With his dark brown eyes and black hairs, Zach was accepted to act as the prince on the show. 

To think that school was useless and that it was nonsense, made Paul think that he didn't need to study.  

Loving and always hugging her children, Caroline thought that she was a good mother. 

Although he made it. 

With its colorful windows and walls, The Painted Ladies in San Francisco always gets people's attention. 

Never getting what the teacher says Alison is always confused. 

With its cold rainy weather and stormy nights, England was his favorite place. 

Although we had reviewed the film twice before, we never noticed these details about the shooting.

After his long nap in the backyard hammock John felt better.

Sadly, the building was destroyed. 

On the other hand someone obviously was badly injured.

  Inside the gym was brightly lighted and clean.

To stay in shape for competition athletes must exercise every day.

In Spring they would all dress up in white to show that summer was coming. 

Entering the room, was dangerous. 

To sell this car you should clean it then put the photos on the internet. 

When he saw the ca coming Jonas stopped and made a quick turn.

5 minutes:acrivities and closure

Acrivities:Station

There are 2 stations in the classroom:wrong and right.

There are some phrases in different places of the classroom. These phrases might have errors about their commas after the introductory elements. If there are errors, you should put those sentences on the station of wrong. If there aren't any errors, you should put them on the station of right. 

Closure

IF Something comes before the subject (other than adjectives THEN  Put a comma after what comes before the subject and its adjectives.

For short prepositional phrases, you can drop the comma. Except for yes or no, direct address and interjections.