Which sentence correctly uses an introductory phrase followed by a comma?

Which sentence correctly uses an introductory phrase followed by a comma?

• A. After the meeting, we will discuss the budget.
• B. After the meeting we will discuss the budget.
• C. After the meeting, we will discuss the budget
• D. We will discuss the budget after the meeting.

Answer: (A)

Introductory phrases at the start of a sentence are followed by a comma to give a natural pause before the main clause. In the correct sentence, “After the meeting” introduces the action, and the comma after it separates the introductory phrase from the main statement “we will discuss the budget.” That pause helps show that the discussion happens after the meeting. If the introductory phrase is used without a comma, as in “After the meeting we will discuss the budget,” the sentence reads jarringly and is usually considered incorrect in standard punctuation. If the sentence ends without proper ending punctuation after the introductory version, as in “After the meeting, we will discuss the budget,” it’s incomplete in isolation here. If the time phrase appears at the end, as in “We will discuss the budget after the meeting,” it’s no longer an introductory element and the comma after that phrase isn’t used in the same way, changing the structure and emphasis.

Introductory phrases at the start of a sentence are followed by a comma to give a natural pause before the main clause. In the correct sentence, “After the meeting” introduces the action, and the comma after it separates the introductory phrase from the main statement “we will discuss the budget.” That pause helps show that the discussion happens after the meeting.

If the introductory phrase is used without a comma, as in “After the meeting we will discuss the budget,” the sentence reads jarringly and is usually considered incorrect in standard punctuation. If the sentence ends without proper ending punctuation after the introductory version, as in “After the meeting, we will discuss the budget,” it’s incomplete in isolation here. If the time phrase appears at the end, as in “We will discuss the budget after the meeting,” it’s no longer an introductory element and the comma after that phrase isn’t used in the same way, changing the structure and emphasis.