Introductory Adverb Examples with Commas and Explanations

📚 Quick Study Guide: Introductory Adverbs & Commas

• 🤔 What are Introductory Adverbs? These are adverbs or adverbial phrases/clauses that appear at the beginning of a sentence, modifying the entire sentence or the verb within it. They provide context about time, place, manner, cause, or condition.
• 🚦 The Comma Rule: Generally, a comma should follow an introductory adverbial phrase or clause to separate it from the main independent clause. For single introductory adverbs, the comma is often optional but recommended for clarity, especially if the adverb could be misread as modifying the subject.
• ⏰ Adverbs of Time: (e.g., Yesterday, Tomorrow, Later, First, Finally, Meanwhile). Example: Yesterday, I went to the store.
• 📍 Adverbs of Place: (e.g., Here, There, Upstairs, Downstairs). These are less common as introductory adverbs with commas, unless part of a phrase. Example: Downstairs, the children were playing.
• 🚶‍♀️ Adverbs of Manner: (e.g., Carefully, Slowly, Happily, Suddenly). Example: Suddenly, the lights went out.
• 🔗 Conjunctive Adverbs: (e.g., However, Therefore, Meanwhile, Consequently, Moreover). These always require a comma after them when used to introduce a sentence. Example: However, the plan failed.
• 💡 Sentence Adverbs: (e.g., Certainly, Obviously, Fortunately, Unfortunately). These modify the entire sentence and are usually followed by a comma. Example: Fortunately, no one was hurt.
• ✍️ Key Tip: If you can remove the introductory adverb/phrase and the sentence still makes sense, a comma is usually appropriate. When in doubt, add the comma for better readability!

📝 Practice Quiz

Choose the best option for each question.

1. Which sentence correctly uses a comma with an introductory adverb?
   A) Quickly she finished her homework.
   B) Quickly, she finished her homework.
   C) She quickly, finished her homework.
   D) Quickly she finished, her homework.
2. Identify the sentence that features an introductory adverb requiring a comma.
   A) The dog happily wagged its tail.
   B) She carefully placed the vase on the shelf.
   C) Unfortunately, the concert was canceled.
   D) He always arrives on time.
3. In the sentence "Meanwhile, the storm gathered strength," what type of introductory adverb is "Meanwhile"?
   A) Adverb of Place
   B) Adverb of Manner
   C) Adverb of Time
   D) Sentence Adverb
4. Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated?
   A) Surprisingly, the test was easy.
   B) Surprisingly the test was easy.
   C) The test, surprisingly was easy.
   D) The test was, surprisingly easy.
5. Select the sentence where the introductory adverbial element does not necessarily require a comma, although it is often used for clarity.
   A) After the rain stopped, we went outside.
   B) To be honest, I didn't enjoy the movie.
   C) Suddenly the door burst open.
   D) Before you leave, check your pockets.
6. Fill in the blank with an appropriate introductory adverb that requires a comma: "______, I prefer coffee over tea."
   A) Usually
   B) Yesterday
   C) However
   D) Here
7. What is the primary function of the introductory adverb in "Fortunately, everyone escaped unharmed"?
   A) To modify the verb "escaped."
   B) To describe the manner of escape.
   C) To express the speaker's attitude about the entire sentence.
   D) To indicate the time of the event.