Let's break down why this comma is crucial:
What's an introductory clause?
It's a group of words that comes at the beginning of a sentence and sets the stage for the main idea. It often tells *when*, *where*, *why*, or *how* something happened.
Example:
* After the rain stopped, the sun peeked through the clouds.
Why the comma is important:
* Clarity: The comma helps to separate the introductory clause from the main clause, making the sentence easier to read and understand. Without it, the sentence can become confusing or sound awkward.
* Avoiding misreading: Without the comma, the reader might initially combine the introductory clause and the main clause, leading to a different meaning.
Example:
* Without the comma: "After the rain stopped the sun peeked through the clouds." (This implies the rain stopped the sun.)
* With the comma: "After the rain stopped, the sun peeked through the clouds." (This makes the meaning clear.)
In essence, the comma after an introductory clause acts like a traffic signal, telling the reader to pause briefly before moving on to the main part of the sentence.