Commas in Introductory Phrases and Clauses Explained

This video tutorial from Lackawanna College's Writing Center covers the use of commas after introductory clauses or phrases. It explains the difference between dependent and independent clauses, and provides examples of various types of phrases such as prepositional, infinitive, appositive, and participial. The tutorial also highlights the importance of avoiding comma splices and offers guidance on correctly splitting sentences with commas. Viewers are encouraged to explore additional resources on run-on sentences and seek help from the Writing Center if needed.

What is the primary function of a comma after an introductory phrase?

• To indicate a pause

• To introduce a list

• To separate an introductory phrase from the main clause

• To separate two independent clauses

Which type of phrase typically does not contain a subject or a verb?

• Independent clause

• Infinitive phrase

• Introductory phrase

• Dependent clause

What is an example of a comma being used correctly with a prepositional phrase?

• Eric, before emailing her professor checked the directions.

• Before emailing, her professor Eric checked the directions.

• Eric checked, before emailing her professor.

• Before emailing her professor, Eric checked the directions.

What is the correct way to use a comma with an appositive phrase?

• Athletic and strong Travis beat his previous record.

• Athletic and strong Travis, beat his previous lifting record.

• Athletic and strong, Travis beat his previous lifting record.

• Athletic, and strong Travis beat his previous lifting record.

Which phrase is likely to be a fragment if it stands alone?

• Students should study well

• To achieve high scores

• All of the above

• Before an exam

What makes a clause dependent?

• It always follows an independent clause.

• It does not need additional information to make sense.

• It can stand alone as a sentence.

• It starts with a subordinating conjunction like 'when'.

What should follow an introductory clause that contains a subject and a verb?

• A dependent clause

• A list

• Another introductory clause

• An independent clause

What is the role of the comma in the sentence 'Running late for class, Sarah didn’t have time to grab her usual coffee'?

• To separate a dependent clause from an independent clause

• To add a list

• To connect two independent clauses

• To introduce a quotation

Why is it incorrect to use a comma to separate two independent clauses?

• Neither A nor B

• It creates a run-on sentence.

• Both A and B

• It is considered a comma splice.

How can you correct a comma splice?

• Replace the comma with a period

• Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma

• Both A and B

• Neither A nor B