An introductory phrase sets the stage for the main part of the sentence:

• After the meeting was over, he was exhausted.
• While she was getting ready for bed, she heard a knock at the door.

There are several types of introductory phrase. Sometimes you have to have a comma; sometimes you can choose whether to have a comma; and sometimes you should not have a comma.

When an introductory phrase is very short (less than four words), the comma is usually optional. But if the phrase is longer than four words, it is better to use a comma. Always use a comma if the sentence could be misinterpreted otherwise.

These items are available in black and white, red and yellow, and blue and green.

Published on: Nov 26, 2022 at 07:52

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