Commas && Introductory Phrases

A comma is a punctuation mark used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

You should use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main part of the sentence.

While we were eating, my mom packed.

An introductory phrase is a group of words that provides background information or context for the main part of the sentence.

After dinner, we went for a walk.

Commas help clarify meaning by indicating pauses, separating items, and organizing information.

I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.

Use commas to separate three or more items in a list.

Grandma, will you buy me some ice cream?

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.