Transitional or Introductory Commas

Hi Onlinestudent,

Thank you for bringing this issue to the Allstar Academy Forum! You are not alone. This comma mistake is one of the most common that I see. First, you need to get an understanding what transitional and introductory words or phrases do in a sentence. They serve the purpose of bringing clarity to a sentence and create a flow between sentences or paragraphs.

Here are a few examples:

Transitional Words:

This issue might happen when you are putting steps in order such as first, second, and third or giving examples.

First you put the peanut butter on the bread. Second you put honey over the peanut butter. Third you eat the sandwich. (Wrong)
First, you put the peanut butter on the bread. Second, you put honey over the peanut butter. Third, you eat the sandwich. (Correct)

For example you might be allergic to peanut butter and not know it. (Wrong)
For example, you might be allergic to peanut butter and not know it. (Correct)

This issue might happen when you are setting the scene for clarity.

Introductory Word or Phrase:

After school I want to go to the malt shop with my friends. (Wrong)
After school, I want to go to the malt shop with my friends. (Correct)

Because you spent all of your cash you cannot purchase a pretzel at the state fair. (Wrong)
Because you spent all of your cash, you cannot purchase a pretzel at the state fair. (Correct)

I hope this helps!

Dr. Trish