2 Use a comma after Yes and No when these words start a sentence.
Yes, we have the show’s starting time.
No, there are no bananas in that store.
3 Use a comma both after consecutive introductory prepositional phrases
and after a long introductory prepositional phrase.
In the middle of New York City, the traffic is very heavy during
rush hour.
In the World Series’ final game that was played in 1960, the Pirates hitter
whacked a home run over the left field wall.
Note: A comma can be placed after a short introductory prepositional
phrase if the sentence’s meaning and flow are improved by the comma.
Read the sentence aloud to see if a comma is justified.
In the first instance, the dog was in the back of the van.
Without Greg’s assistance, Ricardo would have spent many hours on
that project.
4 Use a comma after an introductory participle or participial phrase.
Intrigued, the young child looked into the fishbowl.
Motivated by their drama coach’s remarks, the cast members worked
even harder than before.
5 Use a comma after an introductory adverb clause.
Before we started our vacation, we had the mechanic check out our car.
Note: In most instances (unless the sentence’s meaning is unclear),
an adverb clause that follows an independent clause is not preceded
by a comma.
I cannot recall a single instance when Jimmy was inconsiderate.
