2007-05-09 08:05:50 · 9 answers · asked by dude25 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Yes, yes it is.
2007-05-09 08:11:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll try to answer your question and correct some of the other answers. You asked if the comma were NECESSARY. The answer is "no." It is optional. Note this passage from Hodges' Harbrace Handbook, 16th edition (2007), page 206:
"A comma often follows an introductory phrase. By placing a comma after an introductory phrase, you set it off from the independent clause." But further down the page: "If you begin a sentence with a short introductory prepositional phrase, you may omit the comma as long as the resulting sentence is not difficult to read."
Your sentence is hardly difficult to read without the comma, so you may omit it if you want to. Personally, I always put a comma after anything preceding the main clause, optional or not, just because the reading is often clearer.
Now, as to the other answers:
1) As for the people who want you to rephrase the sentence, that is entirely optional. It is a matter of style, not grammar. You should probably base your choice on the context in which you are writing this sentence. For instance, if you have previously mentioned going to the store, starting a sentence this way would be perfect.
2) The person who said that if you start a sentence with an introductory clause, you must follow it with a comma is correct. However, she is wrong when she goes on to say that a prepositional phrase is considered an introductory clause. A clause must have a subject and a predicate. Your prepositional phrase has neither.
3) The person who said "no" because doing so would create a comma splice is incorrect. A comma splice occurs when a writer incorrectly uses a comma between two independent clauses. Your opening prepositional phrase is not an independent clause; therefore, a comma splice is impossible at this point.
4) All the people who simply said "yes" with no explanation are wrong. I have been teaching English at the college level for twenty-eight years, and I still use a grammar handbook. Why don't more of you?
You can probably tell I have a set of term papers I'm supposed to be grading, can't you? Good luck.
2007-05-09 11:48:08 · answer #2 · answered by ktd_73 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you start a sentence with an introductory clause, you need to put a comma after it. Also, if you start a sentence with a prepositional phrase, that is considered an introductory clause.
In short, yes the sentence needs a comma.
2007-05-09 08:14:46 · answer #3 · answered by intewonfan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but you might want to say: "While at Walmart, I was reminded of my lack of memory."
2007-05-09 08:15:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's necessary, but it would be better to rephrase your sentence: "I was reminded of my lack of memory at Walmart."
2007-05-09 08:13:36 · answer #5 · answered by ♫ Sweet Honesty ♫ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Using a comma in that way would create a comma splice.
2007-05-09 08:48:24 · answer #6 · answered by ouranticipation 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would sound better if you swapped it around a bit. like
i was reminded of my lack of memory while at walmart
2007-05-09 08:17:36 · answer #7 · answered by somebody's a mom!! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and so is a capital at Wal-mart
2007-05-09 08:13:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes it is
2007-05-09 09:09:06 · answer #9 · answered by ~*tigger*~ ** 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋