1. "Ultimately" as an Adverb:
* No comma before "ultimately": When "ultimately" acts as an adverb modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb, it typically doesn't require a comma.
* Example: "Ultimately, we decided to stay home." (Here, "ultimately" modifies "decided").
* Comma after "ultimately": If "ultimately" introduces a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone), a comma is required after it.
* Example: "Ultimately, although we had our doubts, we were happy with the outcome." (The dependent clause is "although we had our doubts").
2. "Ultimately" as a Conjunctive Adverb:
* Commas before and after "ultimately": When "ultimately" connects two independent clauses, it acts as a conjunctive adverb. In this case, a comma is required both before and after "ultimately."
* Example: "We tried many different approaches; ultimately, however, we had to start over." (The two independent clauses are "We tried many different approaches" and "we had to start over.")
In short:
* If "ultimately" acts as an adverb without connecting two independent clauses, only a comma *after* it might be needed.
* If "ultimately" acts as a conjunctive adverb, you need commas *both before and after* it.
Always consider the grammatical structure of your sentence and the function of "ultimately" to determine the correct punctuation.