PROBLEM:  Use a comma after an introductory clause.  The most common introductory clauses function as adverbs.  Such words groups tell when, where, how, and why.

EXAMPLES:

INCORRECT:  As the boat turned about a dozen dolphins began to follow it.

      INCORRECT:  Since we moved into town our fuel bill has tripled

INCORRECT: While I was eating the cat scratched at the door.

HOW TO INDENTIFY INTRODUCTORY CLAUSES:

1.  Introductory clauses start with adverbs like after, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, until, when, etc.

2.  A comma in an introductory clause tells the reader that it has come to a close and the most important part of the sentence is about to begin.

3.  A comma helps separate different less important parts in a sentence, so the sentence makes sense.  For example:  When Irwin was ready to eat, his cat jumped onto the table. Without the use of a comma, you would think that Irwin was ready to eat his cat instead of just being ready to eat.

HOW TO FIX IT:

1. INCORRECT:  As the boat turned about a dozen dolphins began to follow it.

CORRECT:  As the boat turned, about a dozen dolphins began to follow it.

Explanation:  There was a coma needed after turned because it shows the reader that the first part of the sentence has ended and the second half of the sentence is about to begin.

2, INCORRECT:  Since we moved into town our fuel bill has tripled.

CORRECT:  Since we moved into town, our fuel bill has tripled.

Explanation:  Once again, a coma was needed after town because it shows the reader that the first part of the sentence has ended and the second half of the sentence is about to begin.

3. iNCORRECT: While I was eating the cat scratched at the door.

CORRECT: While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.

Explanation:  In this sentence a comma was needed in order to make the sentence correct. 

EXCERCISE:

In the blanks provided below explain which type of phrase or clause is in each sentence. 

_____________ 1. To give Scott a good look at the Mountain Mr. O’Neil drove him up for the Day to the Pocono’s.

_____________2. Since the cat had started to run a way to catch him had to be found.

_____________3. Of course the movie that I had hurried to see didn't start on the correct time.

_____________4. Her used car was in excellent condition when she purchased it.

_____________ 5. As I had already stated the rules can be broken occasionally.

_____________6. Having decided to eat only healthy foods he had to give up all of his favorite junk food snacks.

_____________7. To estimate the costs he asked a repairman by phone.

_____________8. To succeed in politics is not necessarily desirable.

_____________ 9. Making up his mind quickly Jason ordered pizza while we were still reading   the menu.

______________ 10. However he tried to use the bottle opener it wouldn't work for him.

ANSWERS:

1.     Introductory infinitive phrase

2.     Introductory clause

3.     Introductory prepositional phrase

4.     No introductory element

5.     Introductory clause

6.     Introductory participial phrase

7.     Introductory infinitive phrase

8.     No introductory element

9.     Introductory participial phrase

10.  Introductory clause

RELEVANT SECTIONS IN THE BEDFORD HANDBOOK:

• Page 426-427
• Section:  32a-32b

ON-LINE RESOURCES: