Comma After an Introductory Infinitive Phrase
The Comma
Rulebase Summary
Use a comma to set off an introductory infinitive phrase regardless of its length. An infinitive phrase is a verb preceded by 'to.'
Morson's Rule 62 · p.40 BGGP Separating Comma.47 · p.210
Examples
✗
A. To verify the account balance I logged into the system.
✓
A. To verify the account balance, I logged into the system.
Comma after introductory infinitive phrase.
✗
A. To be perfectly clear I never authorized that transaction.
✓
A. To be perfectly clear, I never authorized that transaction.
Introductory 'to' phrase always gets a following comma.
Style Guide References (2)
Morson's
Rule 62
Page 40
BGGP
Separating Comma.47
Page 210
See also (8)
Compare No Comma for Short Introductory Words or Word Groups Acting as Simple Modifiers Related Comma After an Objective Case Noun Clause Pulled to the Beginning of a Sentence See Introductory Element Comma Rules Apply Regardless of a Leading Coordinate Conjunction Related Comma After an Introductory Participial Phrase Related Comma After a Long Introductory Prepositional Phrase Related Comma After an Introductory Adverb Clause Related Comma with a Nonessential Participial Phrase Related Comma with a Nominative Absolute