Introductory Phrases

Introductory phrases and clauses

John invited Mary to a movie. Mary had seen the movie twice already. Mary was reluctant to accept John's invitation.

Because she had seen the movie twice already, Mary was reluctant to accept John's invitation (to the movie).

Having seen the movie twice already, Mary was reluctant to accept John's invitation.

Intermediary phrases and clauses

Senator James humbly submitted his resignation. The press hounded Senator James for months on charges of tax evasion.

Senator James, whom the press hounded for months on charges of tax evasion, humbly submitted his resignation.

Senator James, who was hounded by the press for months on charges of tax evasion, humbly submitted his resignation.

Senator James, hounded by the press for months on charges of tax evasion, humbly submitted his resignation.

Other

Mr. Smith swept the floor. Mr. Smith dusted the shelves. Mr. Smith turned out the lights. Then he left the building.

Mr. Smith swept the floor, dusted the shelves, and turned out the lights before he left the building.

Mr. Smith swept the floor, dusted the shelves, and turned out the lights before leaving the building.

Before leaving the building, Mr. Smith swept the floor, dusted the shelves, and turned out the lights.

After sweeping the floor, dusting the shelves, and turning out the lights, Mr. Smith left the building.

Having swept the floor, dusted the shelves and turned out the lights, Mr. Smith left the building.