This word group or clause may actually contain a subject and a verb but begins with a subordinating word . Because I ran, I was accused of the crime. A comma splice occurs when independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.
Gestures are a means of communication, they are essential to the hearing-impaired.
Introductory Clauses I ntroductory words or word groups may need a comma to set them off from the main clause. Although I am healthy, I still see a doctor every year. Forgetting to close the door, Alana left for the game. The charts drawn by hand were essential to the captain. Recognizing Commas with Quotations When you introduce a quotation, you must use either a comma or a colon.