Directions: Add the specified word or phrase to the beginning of each sentence, setting it off by a comma.
Example: That sombrero needs cleaning. [Add "Susan."]
Response: Susan, that sombrero needs cleaning.
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Expanding Sentences
Readers need to know for sure what the subject of each sentence is, so when other words precede it, writers generally, as a courtesy, set them apart from the subject by a comma. In the following examples, the introductory words are underlined, and the subject is in bold type:
Before placing the noose around his neck,the condemned man spat in the executioner's face. Backed into a corner at last,the raccoon turned and bared its teeth. Where the road divides,you will face a truly Zen moment of decision. Elizabeth, [the understood subject is you] sit up straight.
The comma is used only if the subject comes right after the introductory words. In a completely inverted sentence, with the subject at the end, no comma is used.
Example: There on the doorstep stood the wanted man.
I can't say I ever saw him. [Add "no" before the subject.]
The doctor will see you shortly. [Add "if you'll just take a seat" before the subject.]
The very next day was the princess's birthday. [Add "now" or "see" before the subject.]
Your sister has been behaving irrationally. [Add "Ralph" before the subject.]
The modem periodically loses the signal. [Add "well" before the subject.]
Blood did turn out to be thicker than water after all. [Add "yes" before the subject.]
The vagrant mutt sauntered on home. [Add "after a stroll around the county" before the subject.]
She looked searchingly into his eyes and said, "We have to talk." [Add "taking his hands in hers" before the subject.]
We never expected her to disregard her doctor's advice. [Add "although we knew her to be as headstrong as ever" before the subject.]