Which sentence uses a comma after an introductory phrase?

Which sentence uses a comma after an introductory phrase?

• A. After the rain stopped we resume play.
• B. After the rain stopped, we resume play.
• C. After the rain stopped, we resumed play.
• D. After the rain, stopped we resume play.

Answer: (C)

When a sentence starts with an introductory phrase that describes when, where, or how something happens, you usually put a comma after it to separate it from the main clause. In this sentence, “After the rain stopped” is that introductory part, telling when the action happened. The comma after it signals the pause before the main idea: “we resumed play.” The past tense in both parts keeps the sequence clear and natural. Other forms break the rule or sound off: missing the comma makes the sentence harder to read, a mismatch in tense (like using “we resume play” after a past introductory clause) feels inconsistent, and awkward word order in the other construction disrupts the flow.

When a sentence starts with an introductory phrase that describes when, where, or how something happens, you usually put a comma after it to separate it from the main clause. In this sentence, “After the rain stopped” is that introductory part, telling when the action happened. The comma after it signals the pause before the main idea: “we resumed play.” The past tense in both parts keeps the sequence clear and natural.

Other forms break the rule or sound off: missing the comma makes the sentence harder to read, a mismatch in tense (like using “we resume play” after a past introductory clause) feels inconsistent, and awkward word order in the other construction disrupts the flow.