Some words or phrases that are not really part of the main idea of the sentence but are just used to begin the sentence are called introductory words or phrases.  They are called this because their whole purpose is to introduce the main sentence. 

Introductory words or phrases add important information but come before the main part of the sentence, therefore, they need a comma to separate them from the rest of the sentence to make the meaning clear.  If these words or phrases were placed at the end of the sentence in their normal position, no commas would be needed.

When you read the sentence aloud you typically hear a pause between these words and the rest of the sentence.

Let's practice working with introductory words and phrases by punctuating these sentences correctly.

1. For the first time in history my parents let me fly on a plane by myself.

   Click here to check your answer! For the first time in history, my parents let me fly on a plane by myself.

2. Although I have flown before I had never traveled without my parents.

   Click here to check your answer! Although I have flown before, I had never traveled without my parents.

3. Even though I was just going to visit my aunt it was exciting to travel alone.

   Click here to check your answer! Even though I was just going to visit my aunt, it was exciting to travel alone.

4. Since she is ten years younger than my mother my aunt is fun to be with.

   Click here to check your answer! Since she is ten years younger than my mother, my aunt is fun to be with.

5. Even though she is a adult we like the same music and movies.

   Click here to check your answer! Even though she is a adult, we like the same music and movies.

6. By the time my visit was over we were closer than ever.

   Click here to check your answer! By the time my visit was over, we were closer than ever.

   
   How did you do?  Remember, one way to check for introductory words is to see if the words or the phrase could be moved to the end of the sentence and still make sense.  Also, do you hear a pause after the words or phrase when you read the sentence aloud?  If so, you need a comma to separate these words from the main part of the sentence.

Click on the Chalk board to return to
the commas with introductory words lesson page!

There are many other important and useful comma rules that you should know to improve your communication when you write.  Follow the links below to the lessons that introduce them:

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