Bernie Chaser's Blog: Punctuation Quiz #22: Introductory Phrases

An introductory adverbial phrase is often set off by a comma, but the comma can be omitted if no misreading will result. Short adverbial phrases do not always need a comma. The following sentences are written without punctuation. Insert a comma if you think one is needed.

1. After hearing the news the woman fainted.

2. After 1956 such complaints about poor fidelity became far less common.

3. Before going inside the cowboy fed his horse.

4. To Dorothea Brooke scholarly Mr. Causabon seemed the perfect husband for her.

5. From the castle tower flew the royal flag of France.

Answers and Explanations

1.
Original: After hearing the news the woman fainted.
Correct : After hearing the news, the woman fainted.

Comma needed for clarity.

2.
Original: After 1956 such complaints about poor fidelity became far less common.
Correct : After 1956 such complaints about poor fidelity became far less common.

Introductory phrase short enough not to need a comma.

3.
Original: Before going inside the cowboy fed his horse.
Correct : Before going inside, the cowboy fed his horse.

Comma needed for clarity.

4.
Original: To Dorothea Brooke scholarly Mr. Causabon seemed the perfect husband for her.
Correct : To Dorothea Brooke, scholarly Mr. Causabon seemed the perfect husband for her.

Comma needed for clarity.

5.
Original: From the castle tower flew the royal flag of France.
Correct : From the castle tower flew the royal flag of France.

When the introductory phrase stands directly before the verb it modifies, no comma is needed.

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