Using Commas with Introductory Elements

Khan Academy

This educational video provides a clear and engaging guide to using commas with introductory elements in sentences. The narrators, David and Paige, break down complex grammatical concepts into easy-to-understand rules, specifically focusing on dependent clauses and sentence adverbs. Through handwritten examples and visual analogies, viewers learn exactly when a comma is required to separate an introduction from the main body of a sentence. The video explores three main scenarios: identifying dependent clauses at the start of sentences, understanding why commas aren't needed when the clause order is reversed, and how to punctuate sentence adverbs like "Initially" or "Basically." The narrators use color-coding to distinguish between clause types and provide memorable metaphors, such as comparing a dependent clause to a ladder leaning against a tree, helping students visualize the relationship between sentence parts. Teachers can use this video to introduce or reinforce specific punctuation rules within a writing curriculum. It is particularly valuable for helping students move beyond simple sentence structures to more complex, varied syntax. The conversational tone and clear visual aids make abstract grammar rules concrete, supporting students in editing their own writing for proper punctuation and clarity.