A common mistake writers often make is overusing and misusing introductory dependent clauses, phrases, and words at the beginning of their sentences. When this happens, especially in formal writing, it can create wordiness and a conversational/informal tone, which you will want to avoid in most formal writing assignments. This is because a sudden shift in tone or wordiness can confuse the reader by causing them to lose the topic of your paragraph in the wordiness, or causing them to have to reread to understand the shift in tone. Understanding how to use these dependent clauses, phrases, and words can help you add clarity, coherence, and specificity to your sentences. This blog will help you identify introductory dependent clauses, phrases, and words, learn the difference between them, and how and when to use them. 

Introductory dependent clauses and phrases are similar in that they both provide context or “set up” the main clause that follows them, and neither can stand alone as a complete sentence. They differ in their structural makeup. An introductory dependent clause contains its own subject and finite verb (a verb that shows tense and agrees with its subject) but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. An introductory phrase does not contain that same subject-verb structure. You can identify either one by asking yourself if it can stand on its own as a sentence. To tell the difference between an introductory dependent clause and phrase,check whether the introductory element contains its own subject and finite verb. If so, it is an introductory dependent clause; if not, it is a type of phrase. Below are examples of both an introductory dependent clause and a phrase:

Introductory Clause:

If they want to win, athletes must exercise every day. 

Introductory Phrase:

To stay in shape for competition, athletes must exercise every day. 

The two examples above illustrate the differences between introductory dependent clauses and phrases. First, neither makes sense as a complete sentence. Next, the dependent clause contains the subject “they” and the verb “want,” both independent of the main clause. The introductory phrase does not contain a subject or a verb that is independent of the main clause (“athletes” and “exercise” are the subject and verb of the main clauses). Also, notice that both clauses and phrases are separated from the main clauses by commas. Although both use a comma, the reason for its use can vary. While introductory dependent clauses will generally require commas, using commas after a short introductory phrase can depend on the context, tone, or clarity of the idea you want to convey. Keep the following guidelines in mind when using commas with introductory elements:

• After introductory dependent clauses.
• After longer introductory phrases, such as prepositional or verbal phrases (shorter introductory phrases may not require a comma).
• To create a distinct pause, context, or clarity to avoid confusion.  

Understanding the role commas play in using introductory dependent clauses, phrases, and words will help you use them correctly and more effectively in your writing. 

Just like introductory dependent clauses and phrases, introductory words can have different uses depending on the context of your writing. Introductory words, like “however,” “still,” “furthermore,” and “meanwhile,” are often misused and overused in an attempt to create continuity between sentences. But when used correctly, there are a variety of ways that they can add context, clarity, and more to your writing. 

1)  Most of the evidence seemed convincing. Still, the jury questioned the credibility of some witnesses. 

(Transition/continuity)

2) The students did not have access to the study guide. However, everyone passed with a B or higher.

(Transition)

3) However, the results did not support the hypothesis. 

(Contrast)

4) Fortunately, the ball did not roll into the street. 

(Tone)

5) Surprisingly, I felt relieved by the results.

(Emotion/attitude/reaction)

6) Furthermore, the test identified high cholesterol. 

(Addition)

7) Meanwhile, the other runners continued the race.

(Time/simultaneous action/sequence of events)

8) Sarah, could you help with the dog?

(Directly addressing someone)

In the examples above, each introductory word serves a different purpose depending on the sentence’s context. The first two examples, “still” and “however,” are used to provide continuity or transition from the previous sentence. However, (see what I did there?) the “however” in the third example is being used to set up a contrast between the sentence coming after it, and the one that came before. When used creatively, introductory words can convey a tone or feeling to the reader like in examples 4 and 5. Example 6 uses “furthermore” to add more information to what was already given. Examples 7 and 8 can be helpful in narrative writing, with “meanwhile” placing the reader in the timeline of the story and “Sarah” being used to tell the reader who is being addressed directly by the speaker. Experimenting with different ways you can use introductory words effectively will help you write with more clarity for your readers. 

When introductory dependent clauses, phrases, and words are used incorrectly, often because we “write how we talk” in the first draft, it can create confusion, like unintended changes in tone or misunderstanding from a missing or misplaced transition. When reviewing your writing, identify introductory words, dependent clauses, and phrases, and ask yourself what role they are playing in the sentences and what, if anything, they are contributing to the sentence. Also, don’t forget to check for correct comma use with your introductory elements! Being sure you are using introductory dependent clauses, phrases, and words correctly will help you write with more clarity, specificity, and coherence from sentence to sentence throughout your paper. Make this part of your review and revision process to master their use; remember, practice makes perfect! Please continue to check back for more blogs on important writing topics from the Writing Center.