Use Commas After Introductions
Sometimes, your writing may include an introductory word, clause, or phrase at the beginning of a sentence to provide additional context. A comma should generally be used to separate an introduction from the independent clause of a sentence.
Introductory words
Use a comma after introductory words like however, nonetheless, or furthermore.
- Example: Film production was halted due to the pandemic. Nonetheless, the actors continued to rehearse their roles.
Introductory clauses
If a dependent clause comes before an independent clause in a sentence, use a comma to separate the clauses. Do not use a comma if the independent clause comes first in the sentence.
- Example: Once the snowstorm ended, we had an epic snowball fight.
- Example: We had an epic snowball fight once the snowstorm ended.
Introductory phrases
Use a comma to separate a long introductory phrase from the independent clause in a sentence.
- Example: Before the biggest snowstorm of the year, we made sure to gather firewood.
If an introductory phrase is only a few words long, comma usage is optional.
- Example: Before the snowstorm, we made sure to gather firewood.
- Example: Before the snowstorm we made sure to gather firewood.
