• Introductory Elements Phrases

• A phrase is a group of words acting as a unit that does not include a subject and a predicate. A phrase can never stand by itself as a complete sentence, as it is a fragment.

  
  

• Introductory Elements Clause

• Unlike a phrase, a clause does have both a subject and a predicate, and a clause may be able to stand alone as a complete sentence.

• There are two major types of clauses: independent clauses and dependent clauses. An independent clause can stand by itself as a complete sentence while a dependent clause cannot.
  

Commas

Are used to set off a person's name when directly addressing that person:

Commas and Introductory Elements

A commas is also used after an introductory word (yes, no, as usual, well) at the beginning of a sentence.

Example: Yes, there is some ice cream left in the freezer.

Commas and Introductory Elements

If a sentence has a statement followed by a question, set the question off with a commas,

Example: That's Jamie's project, isn't it?

Example: Ouch! I stubbed my toe.

Example: Yay! We won the game.

Names begins in a sentence

• Marcus, please open the window.

• Mom, can you look at my homework for me?

Names ends in a sentence:

• I finished my homework, mom.

• You are welcome, Julie.

Name is in the middle of a sentence:

• Look, Marissa, there's a shooting star!