What is an introductory clause?

An introductory clause or phrase acts as a qualifying or clarifying statement about the main sentence. Think of it as an addition to the main thought of a sentence. The introductory language is usually a dependent statement (see section A above).
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What is an introductory clause give an example?

Introductory clauses are dependent clauses that provide background information or "set the stage" for the main part of the sentence, the independent clause. For example: If they want to win, athletes must exercise every day. Because Smokey kept barking insistently, we threw the ball for him.
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What are some examples of introductory words?

On a paragraph level, these words and phrases are used to connect large ideas. However, on a sentence level, these words and phrases are also considered to be introductory. Examples: However, On the other hand, Furthermore, Therefore, Thereafter, Consequently, Next, Finally, In conclusion, For example, Ultimately, etc.
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Where is an introductory clause placed?

Introductory clauses are dependent clauses that are often found at the beginning of the sentence (although they can be moved to the end of the sentence, too, without confusing the meaning of the sentence).
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How do you write an introductory phrase?

What Is an Introductory Phrase? An introductory phrase is like a clause, but it doesn't have its own subject and verb; it relies on the subject and verb in the main clause. It sets the stage for the main part of the sentence.
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Introductory Clauses



How many introductory clauses are there?

There are five common types of introductory phrases, and it's important to understand how to use each one correctly. Each type serves a distinct purpose within the sentence.
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What is a clause in a sentence?

Definition of clause

1 : a group of words containing a subject and predicate and functioning as a member of a complex (see complex entry 2 sense 1b(2)) or compound (see compound entry 3 sense 3b) sentence The sentence "When it rained they went inside" consists of two clauses: "when it rained" and "they went inside."
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Can you have two introductory clauses in a sentence?

So if two introductory words convey different meanings, they should be separated with a comma. And otherwise, they shouldn't.
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Do introductory phrases need commas?

Introductory phrases are not complete sentences. They don't contain a subject and a verb. Rather, they include prepositional phrases, appositive phrases, participle phrases, infinitive phrases, and absolute phrases. Always use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause to help readers avoid confusion.
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Is then an introductory word?

In this example, “then” is used as an introductory adverb; its function is to initiate a new clause.
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What is an example of a independent clause?

An independent clause is the combination of at least one subject and predicate. It expresses a complete thought. For example: The waves crashed onto the sandy shore.
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What are examples of dependent clauses?

Examples of Dependent Clauses
  • When the president arrives.
  • Because I can't wait for the bus.
  • As if he knew what was going to happen.
  • Than his sister can.
  • If you can work on Sundays.
  • Until the sun sets.
  • While flowers continue to bloom.
  • Whenever you come to visit.
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Are clauses separated by commas?

Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave.
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How do you find the clause in a sentence?

To identify the clauses in one long sentence, look for "connecting words." (These are also called "conjunctions.") These words, like and, but, or, and yet, go between two independent clauses.
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What are the 3 types of clauses?

There are three basic forms of clause that can be used in a sentence, these include a main/ independent clause, subordinate clause, the adjective clause and the noun clause. While the independent clause could be used by itself as a complete sentence, the subordinate clause could not.
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Which of the following is an example of a clause?

A clause is a collection of words that has a subject that is actively doing a verb. The following are examples of clauses: since she laughs at diffident men. I despise individuals of low character.
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What means independent clause?

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence. Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz. Dependent Clause.
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What are 5 examples of clauses?

Examples of clauses:
  • Subject + verb (predicate). = complete thought (IC)
  • I eat bananas. = complete thought (IC)
  • Sharon speaks loudly. = complete thought (IC)
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What is independent and dependent clause example?

A dependent clause starts with a subordinator word such as “when,” “if” or “which.” Examples: When Ronnie gets here, If Denise comes to class late, which I bought last weekend. An independent clause can stand alone as a separate sentence and does not start with a.
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What are 5 examples of independent clauses?

Independent Clause Examples
  • I enjoy sitting by the fireplace and reading.
  • Waiting to have my car's oil changed is boring.
  • She wants to travel the world and see wonderful sights.
  • Our planets revolve around the sun.
  • The professor always comes to class fully prepared.
  • Hurricanes strengthen over warm waters.
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How do you identify a dependent clause?

If the noun clause is acting as the subject of the sentence, it is not dependent. However, if the noun clause is taking the place of an object, it is a dependent clause. Noun clauses can begin with either interrogative pronouns (who, what, when, where, how, why) or expletives (that, whether, if).
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What does a dependent clause start with?

An independent clause is a sentence that has a subject and a verb and requires no extra information to understand. Dependent clauses, which start with subordinating conjunctions such as "while," "that," or "unless," give background information but cannot stand on their own as sentences.
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Does a comma go after still?

'Still' as a Conjunctive Adverb

Use a comma after "still" at the start of a sentence when meaning "nevertheless" or "in spite of that". You may want to buy a new vehicle. Still, you don't have to. You can repair your own car.
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Can I start a sentence with and?

It's perfectly acceptable to begin a sentence with and (as well as doing so with words such as but or or). Using and at the beginning of a sentence has been a practice for over a thousand years.
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