Comma Usage in Introductory Elements

This video tutorial explains the use of commas with introductory elements in sentences. It covers introductory words, phrases, and dependent clauses, providing examples for each. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of commas in enhancing sentence clarity and interest. It also distinguishes between different types of phrases and clauses, such as prepositional phrases and verbal phrases, and explains how to use them effectively in writing.

What is the basic structure of a sentence?

• Subject followed by a verb

• Verb followed by a subject

• Subject followed by an adjective

• Adjective followed by a verb

Which of the following is an example of an introductory adverb?

• Suddenly

• On the table

• Wobbling

• Jeannie fell

What is a prepositional phrase?

• A group of words that starts with a preposition and ends with a noun

• A single word that modifies a noun

• A single word that modifies a verb

• A group of words that starts with a verb and ends with a noun

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a prepositional phrase?

• Jeannie fell clumsily

• Jeannie fell predictably

• Jeannie fell at the store

• Jeannie fell suddenly

What is a verbal?

• A word that shows a relationship between two nouns

• A word that modifies a noun

• A word that modifies a verb

• A word that looks like a verb but acts like an adjective, adverb, or noun

Which of the following is an example of a verbal?

• Suddenly

• On the table

• Wobbling

• Jeannie

What is an introductory dependent clause?

• A single word that modifies a noun

• A group of words with a subject and a verb that starts with a subordinating conjunction

• A single word that modifies a verb

• A group of words that starts with a preposition and ends with a noun

Which of the following sentences correctly uses an introductory dependent clause?

• Jeannie fell suddenly

• Jeannie fell at the store

• Because Robbie stuck his foot out, Jeannie fell

• Jeannie fell predictably

What is the role of a subordinating conjunction?

• To connect a dependent clause to an independent clause

• To modify a noun

• To show a relationship between two nouns

• To modify a verb

Which of the following sentences does not require a comma?

• Jeannie fell at the store

• After Robbie tripped her, Devante helped Jeannie back onto her feet

• Wobbling on crutches, Jeannie fell

• Because Robbie stuck his foot out, Jeannie fell