We Use Commas at the Beginning of New Sentences When We Use Transitions. a Transition

Comma Rule 2

We use commas at the beginning of new sentences when we use transitions. A transition is a way to connect the idea of the earlier sentence with the new one.

Here are 5 basic transitions:

Also He rides his bike 5 days a week. Also, he does yoga on the weekends.

(When you start another sentence to add information, use ‘also’.

However She eats only organic foods. However, she smokes.

(When you say one thing, then it’s opposite or something different, use ‘however’.

For example A lot of people are losing their jobs in this economy. For example, my neighbor worked at Best Buy for 10 years and got fired yesterday.

(When you follow a sentence with a specific example, use “for example.’

As a result He arrived late every day for 2 weeks. As a result, he lost his job.

(When you show the consequence of the first sentence, use ‘as a result.’

First, Second.. I have a lot of chores today. First, I have to go the Laundromat. Second, I have to do my shopping.

(When you show a list of things in order of time, use ‘first,’ ‘second’, etc.

Complete the sentences.

Also However For example As a result First

1. He has a serious alcohol problem. ________________________, he is successful at work.

2. There was a terrible wind storm in L.A. yesterday. _______________________, thousands of people were without power as electrical lines fell.

3. The new ipad will have an A6 processor that will be as fast as desktops. ________________, it will have much better screen resolution.

4. It’s not easy being a teacher. ___________________, you must get students’ attention. Then, you must keep it.

5. Some fruits have very few calories. ____________________, a cup of grapes is only 40 calories.

Comma Rule 2: Transitions

Now that you’ve seen the basic transitions we use at the beginning of sentences, followed by commas, here are a few more.

Also=In addition However=On the other hand For example=For instance

As a result=In conclusion First=Second=Third

Use the best transition and add a comma.

1. Many people claim yoga is a miracle exercise. ____________________________ more and more people are getting injuries from yoga class.

2. It’s difficult for many students to come to school every day because they have to work. _______________________ many students are parents and have obligations to take care of their kids.

3. I had a terrible night. _________________ I ran out of gas on the street. ______________I had to pay $80 for the tow truck to take me 3 blocks. ______________I was late for my meeting.

4. He weighed his food to 250 calories 6 times a day. He went to the gym with a clipboard and wrote down everything he did. ________________________ he’s lost 20 pounds in 6 months.

5. German cars are no longer as reliable as before. _________________ I had a BMW and it had problems within the first 6 months I had it.

6. Students have many pronunciation problems in English ______________________ they often forget to pronounce the final ‘s’ in the simple present with third person singular.

7. We’ve gotten very little rain this year. ________________________ farmers are predicting a small harvest.

8. Korean students often excel in English grammar and vocabulary. _________________they have more problems with pronunciation.

9. Many students stop at Starbucks in the morning before class to get a cup of coffee. ______________they can get a muffin, scone, or egg sandwich.

10. You’re such a smart student. ____________________ you don’t pay attention in class.

11. Many countries that were poor 30 years ago are becoming quite rich. ______________Brazil is now the world’s fourth biggest economy.

12. Here’s how to get the best shave. _________________take a hot shower. ______________put shaving cream on your face. _________________slowly use the razor and rinse frequently.

13. The housing crisis caused the banking crisis. We were warned the major banks could close and cause an economic depression. ____________________the government decided to bail out the banks.

14. When you go for a job interview, you should be dressed well, arrive on time, and be friendly. _________________make sure you bring a copy of your resume and references.

15. The U.S. offers many economic opportunities to immigrants. __________________it requires great sacrifices to become successful and integrate into the society.

16. There are lots of inexpensive cafes that offer quality food in L.A. ______________ Bloom on Pico has delicious, gourmet food for under $10.

17. The U.S. recession has had a negative effect on the economy of Mexico. __________Mexico continues to suffer from the drug wars.

18. Learning English is difficult. _______________________if you don’t learn it, you’ll have less opportunities.