Write Right: Commas and Introductory Phrases

I confess I rarely visit the rules about commas and introductory phrases anymore; the rules are somewhat innate. Because of that, my decision to or not to use a comma sometimes seems based on sound and appearance rather than any rules. Rules, however, do exist vague though they may be.

The general rule is to set off the introductory phrase or element or clause with a comma. The three variations on “introductory” are used regularly, perhaps because introductory phrases can encompass many things: subordinate clauses, verbal or verbal phrases, prepositional phrases, and transitional or parenthetical expressions. Have no fears; I’ll provide examples of all four.

Subordinate clause

Because she was famished, she ordered two appetizers, a main course, and a dessert sampler.

Verbal or verbal phrase

Knowing she couldn’t eat all the food she had ordered, she offered to share her meal with her three friends.

Prepositional phrase

With silverware in hand, they set about dividing the food among the four of them.

Transitional or parenthetical expression

Of course, the four could not finish the food and had to ask the waiter for to-go boxes.

The secondary rule is to omit the comma after short introductory elements but only if the omission does not create confusion. A caveat: if the clarity of the sentence is in doubt, the comma always is to be used. This particular rule is one in which the sound and look of the comma comes into play, and it’s a concern over which many an editor can obsess.

Clear

In two days the left-overs had already grown green fuzz.

Confusing

Despite the questionable nature of the food one of the girl’s dogs decided it would do as a midnight snack.

Better

Despite the questionable nature of the food, one of the girl’s dogs decided it would do as a midnight snack.

Have a question about introductory phrases or a different grammar or word question? Let me know in a comment or on the Write Right Facebook page.