Intro Phrases & Clauses

Intro Phrases & Clauses

Unit 4: Commas for Clarity

Use a Comma to Pause

When clauses and phrases start sentences, they often require a reader to pause before moving on.

​

Examples:

● Running at top speed, Gene chased the bus.

● Because he enjoys music, Sean bought concert tickets.​

​

Unit 4: Commas for Clarity

Common Clause Starters

Unit 4: Commas for Clarity

after	​even though	​until
although	if	when​
because	since	whenever
before	unless	while

​Verbals that end with -ing/-ed and prepositions also start phrases

Multiple Choice

During the evening I like to watch the local news on television.

• evening

• like

• news

• No Comma Needed

Multiple Choice

The man ran to the mailbox because the mail arrived.

• mailbox

• ran

• because

• No Comma Needed

Multiple Choice

To avoid traffic my dad took an alternate route.

• traffic

• dad

• took

• No Comma Needed

Multiple Choice

In the morning we woke up to go fishing.

• morning

• up

• woke

• No Comma Needed

Multiple Choice

Simon still wanted to go outside although it was late.

• outside

• Simon

• although

• No Comma Needed