Commas after the first word in a sentence

The comma is a valuable, useful punctuation device because it separates the structural elements of sentences into manageable segments. The rules provided here are those found in traditional handbooks; however, in certain rhetorical contexts and for specific purposes, these rules may be broken.

1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.

2. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.

a. Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while.

However, don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast).

b. Common introductory phrases that should be followed by a comma include participial and infinitive phrases, absolute phrases, nonessential appositive phrases, and long prepositional phrases (over four words).

c. Common introductory words that should be followed by a comma include yes, however, well.

3. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.

Here are some clues to help you decide whether the sentence element is essential:

If you leave out the clause, phrase, or word, does the sentence still make sense?

Does the clause, phrase, or word interrupt the flow of words in the original sentence?

If you move the element to a different position in the sentence, does the sentence still make sense?

If you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, then the element in question is nonessential and should be set off with commas. Here are some example sentences with nonessential elements:

4. Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as clauses beginning with that (relative clauses). That clauses after nouns are always essential. That clauses following a verb expressing mental action are always essential.

5. Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.

6. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Be sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use commas with non-coordinate adjectives.

Coordinate adjectives are adjectives with equal ("co"-ordinate) status in describing the noun; neither adjective is subordinate to the other. You can decide if two adjectives in a row are coordinate by asking the following questions:

Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives are written in reverse order?

Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives are written with and between them?

If you answer yes to these questions, then the adjectives are coordinate and should be separated by a comma. Here are some examples of coordinate and non-coordinate adjectives:

7. Use a comma near the end of a sentence to separate contrasted coordinate elements or to indicate a distinct pause or shift.

8. Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer back to the beginning or middle of the sentence. Such phrases are free modifiers that can be placed anywhere in the sentence without causing confusion. (If the placement of the modifier causes confusion, then it is not "free" and must remain "bound" to the word it modifies.)

9. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.

10. Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation.

11. Use commas wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading.

12. Don't use a comma to separate the subject from the verb.

13. Don't put a comma between the two verbs or verb phrases in a compound predicate.

14. Don't put a comma between the two nouns, noun phrases, or noun clauses in a compound subject or compound object.

15. Don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast).

There is no hard and fast rule. "However" often does not require a comma after it. It depends on how much the word interrupts the flow of the meaning. In your example, a comma might be appropriate.

As a rule of thumb, a short introduction generally does not require a comma, but a long one does. See the start of the previous sentence..."As a rule of thumb."

Also, you must take into consideration whether you are using 'open' or 'closed' punctuation. Closed punctuation generally will require more commas, semi-colons, colons, etc. It is more formal than open punctuation. Both are acceptable, depending on the circumstance. But your style of punctuation must be consistent within the written piece.

There are no words which SHOULD have a comma directly after them. You only need to use commas when you would normally pause when speaking the words. This is usually when you are adding extra information into a sentence, but not always.

eg

The cat, which had never been one of my favourites anyway, suddenly jumped up and ran away.

To use it after a first word you could say:

Once, many years ago, I lived near here.

I'm good at english but can only think of a situation where a comma comes after the first word if it is one of a list.

For example:

white, pink and yellow flowers were the order of the day

Commas are used after each item in a list (except the last and next to last eg bread, eggs, flour and milk are use in cakes)

They are used to indicate a pause in the sentence ''Fred walked around the corner, and then crossed the road'

They are used instead of brackets ' One is a number, as is two, but B is a letter.'

You would put it after however in your sentence for emphasis rather than grammatical reasons.

The category for such words is SENTENCE CONNECTORS.

Others include:

obviously, indeed, certainly, also, moreover, furthermore.

Those ones are used to emphasise or reinforce the same point. The following are the kind you would use if you were making a different point:

However, alternatively.

There are also phrases which do the same thing, e.g.

On the other hand, generally speaking.

However is no a good example. However if want you to add something additional after 'however', then you should use the comma. e.g. 'However, I personally think that...'

they don't need a comma it's more because you want to put one there.

like if you were a critic you could sound sarcastic or add more shape to the sentance.

You don't have to use a comma.

This, then, is one further instance of comma repitition.

There are hundreds viz:- Fortunately,

However,

Sadly etc etc need I go on