Put a comma after an introductory word, phrase or clause: “Yes, I would like some.” “Running for the bus, Kemi dropped her phone.” “After the storm, the streets were flooded.”
Use a pair of commas around an appositive: a phrase that renames a noun: “Mr Okoro, our coach, was proud.”
Commas can change meaning. “Let's eat, Grandma!” invites Grandma to dinner. Without the comma, Grandma is on the menu!
Worked example
Add commas: “However the match was cancelled.”
- However is an introductory linking word.
- Put a comma after it.
Answer:However, the match was cancelled.
Key words
- introductory element
- words that come before the main clause
- appositive
- a phrase that renames a noun
- ambiguity
- when a sentence could mean two things
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: L.5.2b, L.5.2c