[Critique Group 1] commas after introductory phrases

[Marcia Wick]

As promised, here are some guidelines for using commas with introductory
phrases.mostly, be consistent with your style.

 

Comma After Introductory Phrase

A comma normally follows participial phrases that introduce a sentence:

Grabbing her umbrella, Kate raced out of the house.
Confused by her sister's sudden change in mood, Jill stayed quiet.

When an adverbial phrase begins a sentence, it's often followed by a comma
but it doesn't have to be, especially if it's short. As a rule of thumb, if
the phrase is longer than about four words, use the comma. You can also use
a comma with a shorter phrase when you want to emphasize it or add a pause
for literary effect.

After the show, Cleo will be signing autographs.
Behind the building there is enough space to park two limousines.
Without knowing why, I crossed the room and looked out the window.
In 1816 life was very different.
Suddenly, an angry black cat sprang from the shadows.

But, if there is a chance of misreading the sentence, use the comma:

Before eating the family said grace.

 

Before eating, the family said grace.

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://bluegrasspals.com/pipermail/group1/attachments/20200715/450fbf94/attachment.html>