Missing Commas After Introductory Words and Phrases Answers

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Note: Corrections are highlighted in yellow (in Word and PDF download) based on corrections that use semicolons. 

1.     Lucille, can you tell us more about your trip to Africa last summer?

Explanation: “Lucille” is being addressed, and so is the introductory phrase that’s set off from the rest, much like the example of “When do we eat, Grandma?” which happens to be at the end of the statement. In this case, we put the name at the beginning, but the rule applies the same.

2.     Following his surgery, Kevin spent two weeks off work to recover.

Explanation: “Following his surgery” modifies the rest of the sentence. “Kevin spent two weeks off work to recover” can stand on its own, since it has a subject and verb. The other phrase does not, and it modifies the sentence, so you would use a comma after “surgery.” “Following his surgery” is a dependent clause, which means it cannot stand on its own. The comma offsets it from the rest of the sentence.  

3.     After hiking for twelve kilometers, Carlos drank a full liter of water. 

Explanation: “After hiking for twelve kilometers” is a prepositional phrase the relates to the rest of the sentence. Since it’s a prepositional phrase, it doesn’t stand on its own as a sentence. It’s set off from the rest of the sentence, which is a complete thought (subject and verb): “Carlos drank a full liter of water.” Therefore, the prepositional phrase needs a comma to offset it from the rest of the sentence.

4.     While we can’t save all endangered species, we should be doing everything we can to preserve as many species of wildlife for future generations and balance of the ecosystem.

Explanation: “While we can’t save all endangered species” is a relative clause, because of the word “while.” “While” clarifies the relationship between its phrase and the rest of the sentence. “We should be doing everything we can to preserve as many species of wildlife for future generations and balance of the ecosystem” stands on its own, with a subject and a verb. “While we can’t save all endangered species” cannot stand on its own, and it needs to be offset with a comma since it is a dependent or relative clause. 

5.     When would you like to go shopping at the local produce stand, Jack?

Explanation: The comma correction in this statement is much like the first one and the “When do we eat, Grandma?” example from the lecture. In this case, Jack’s name is at the end of the sentence. It’s offset from the rest of the sentence, since Jack is being addressed. “Jack” would be offset with a comma, whether beginning or ending the sentence.