Which sentence is punctuated correctly with the introductory phrase?

Which sentence is punctuated correctly with the introductory phrase?

• A. After the meeting, we went to lunch.
• B. After the meeting we went to lunch.
• C. After, the meeting we went to lunch.
• D. After the meeting, we went to lunch?

Answer: (A)

Introductory phrases that set the time or context are typically followed by a comma before the main part of the sentence. Here, “After the meeting” tells when the action happened, so a comma should come right after it to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause: “we went to lunch.” This clarifies the rhythm of the sentence and prevents it from feeling rushed. Without the comma, the sentence loses that clear pause, which can make it harder to read. An extra comma after just “After” isn’t correct because the introductory phrase needs to be complete and properly separated. Ending with a question mark changes the sentence from a declarative statement to a question, which isn’t appropriate for this sentence’s meaning. Therefore, the properly punctuated version uses the comma after the introductory phrase and remains a straightforward statement.

Introductory phrases that set the time or context are typically followed by a comma before the main part of the sentence. Here, “After the meeting” tells when the action happened, so a comma should come right after it to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause: “we went to lunch.” This clarifies the rhythm of the sentence and prevents it from feeling rushed.

Without the comma, the sentence loses that clear pause, which can make it harder to read. An extra comma after just “After” isn’t correct because the introductory phrase needs to be complete and properly separated. Ending with a question mark changes the sentence from a declarative statement to a question, which isn’t appropriate for this sentence’s meaning. Therefore, the properly punctuated version uses the comma after the introductory phrase and remains a straightforward statement.