Introductory Expressions

INDEX

Introductory Expressions

Anything that goes before the subject is introductory. In speaking we intuitively pause at the end of the introductory expression to let our listener know that there is a change in the flow of thought in the sentence. In writing, a comma marks that pause.

Introductory expressions are followed by a comma if
- they are five or more words long, or
- they have a verb form

EXAMPLES

Everything was fine

Before those people moved next door, everything was fine.
(The introductory expression is six words long, and it has a verb.)

In the first year of the marriage, everything was fine.
(The introductory expression has seven words.)


In the beginning everything was fine.
(The introductory expression has only three words and no verb, so it doesn't need a comma.)