Commas After Introductory Material Explained

The video tutorial explains the use of commas after introductory material, which enhances writing style. It covers three types of introductory material: words, phrases, and clauses. Introductory words include exclamations, names, and adverbs. Introductory phrases can be infinitive, participial, or prepositional, with some debate on comma usage. Introductory clauses, which are dependent, require a comma when preceding an independent clause.

What is one of the primary reasons to use commas after introductory material?

• To shorten the sentence

• To confuse the reader

• To enhance the writing style

• To replace periods

What is the purpose of setting off introductory material with commas?

• To indicate it is optional

• To confuse the reader

• To introduce a list

• To make it more important

Which type of introductory word is used to address someone directly in a sentence?

• Name

• Exclamation

• Adverb

• Verb

What should follow an exclamation at the beginning of a sentence?

• A semicolon

• A period

• No punctuation

• A comma

Which adverb does not end in 'ly' but is commonly used at the beginning of sentences?

• Quickly

• Sadly

• Happily

• Meanwhile

Which type of phrase might not always require a comma after it?

• Long prepositional phrase

• Participial phrase

• Short prepositional phrase

• Infinitive phrase

What should you do if you want the reader to have a smoother reading experience?

• Always use a comma

• Omit the comma after introductory phrases

• Shorten the sentence

• Use more adverbs

Which introductory element is described as acting like big adjectives or adverbs?

• Introductory phrases

• Exclamations

• Names

• Dependent clauses

What is the structural characteristic of a dependent clause?

• It does not contain a verb

• It can stand alone

• It starts with a subordinating conjunction

• It always uses a semicolon

When is a comma not necessary before a dependent clause?

• When it follows an independent clause

• When it ends the sentence

• When it is in the middle of a sentence

• When it starts the sentence