Grammar: Introductory Word, Phrase, or Clause

Commonly referred to as the introductory clause, it can also be a mere word or a phrase (in referring to the “introductory clause”, keep in mind that this applies to the “word” and the “phrase”). So it’s an opportunity to see how good your memory is in remembering the difference between clauses and phrases when it comes to the introductory dependent “clause”.

It helps me to think of the phrase as a little brother to the clause, since the phrase doesn’t have a subject + verb.

With that out of the way, an introductory clause introduces, “surprise”, a sentence by providing a quick background for the sentence’s purpose. Of course, that doesn’t mean that an introductory clause/phrase is also at the start of a sentence. Sometimes it shows up later.

Grammar Explanations is . . .

. . . an evolving list of the structural rules and principles that determines where words are placed in phrases or sentences as well as how the language is spoken. Sometimes I run across an example that helps explain better or another “also known as”. Heck, there’s always a better way to explain it, so if it makes quicker and/or better sense, I would appreciate suggestions and comments from anyone on an area of grammar with which you struggle or on which you can contribute more understanding.

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POST CONTENTS:

• Use a Comma with Clauses or Phrases
• A Word as an Introduction
• Introductory Phrase
• Introductory Clause
• Types of Introductory Phrases or Clauses
  • Absolute
  • Appositive
  • Infinitive
  • Participial
  • Prepositional

  actually basically eventually finally first furthermore generally

  however indeed later meanwhile next no

  now still therefore well yes yet

  Legend:
  1. Green indicates the introductory word + comma
  2. Yellow indicates the introductory word without the comma

  However, the Fertile Crescent may not actually have been as fertile as the name suggests.

  The Fertile Crescent may not actually have been as fertile as the name suggests however .

  Indeed, it has been suggested that you are wrong.

  It has been suggested that you are indeed wrong.

  Therefore, we don’t believe a word you’ve said.

  We don’t believe a word you’ve said.

  Therefore, we will have to end the meeting early.

  Meanwhile, Mary and Joe will continue to research the issue.

  Mary and Joe will continue to research the issue while Helen will contact the tribal chieftain.

  Legend:
  1. Green indicates the introductory phrase + comma

  On the whole, Gregor was going to regret not leaving earlier.

  In the meantime, we’d better get camp set up.

  after although as because

  before if since though

  until when +++

  Legend:
  1. Green indicates the introductory clause + comma
  2. White-on-Green indicates the subject + verb which makes this a clause

  If they want to win , athletes must exercise every day.

  • Absolute Introductory Phrase/Clause (this page OR post)
  • Appositive Introductory Phrase/Clause (this page OR post)
  • Infinitive Introductory Phrase/Clause (this page OR post)
  • Participial Introductory Phrase/Clause (this page OR post)
  • Prepositional Introductory Phrase/Clause (this page OR post)
  Legend:
  1. Blue indicates the appositive clause
  2. Purple indicates the appositive phrase
  3. Orange indicates the comma

  Her mind weaker than ever , Nina forgave herself for not achieving her dreams.

  The storm growing ever more furious with lightning flashing and thunder booming , Cassie sat back and rocked on the covered porch.

  Still young enough to care , Jane and Martha were determined to bring down the establishment from within.

  Their reputation as winners secured by victory , the New York Liberty charged into the semifinals.

  The season nearly finished , Rebecca Lobo and Sophie Witherspoon emerged as true leaders.

  Legend:
  1. Blue indicates the appositive clause
  2. Purple indicates the appositive phrase
  3. Orange indicates the comma

  A hot-tempered tennis player , Robbie charged the umpire and tried to crack the poor man’s skull with a racket.

  A modern-day dinosaur , my 486 computer chews floppy disks as noisily as my brother does peanut brittle.

  Legend:
  1. Blue indicates the infinitive clause
  2. Purple indicates the infinitive phrase
  3. Orange indicates the comma

  To improve her English , she practiced on Paul and Marian every day.

  Legend:
  1. Blue indicates the participial clause
  2. Purple indicates the participial phrase
  3. Orange indicates the comma

  Having said this , he left the room.

  Fighting against reason , Martha decided to pull an all-nighter in hopes of passing the exam.

  Legend:
  1. Blue indicates the prepositional clause
  2. Purple indicates the prepositional phrase
  3. Orange indicates the comma

  Before he went to New York , he had spent a year in Australia.

  By flashlight we made our way along the path.

  By flashlight , we made our way along the path.

  Without understanding why , Annie woke from a deep sleep with an urge to check on her children.

  C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!

  Resources for Introductory Word, Phrase, or Clause

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