The Grammar Guide Comma Should I use a comma after a time phrase such as "in the meantime"?

Should I use a comma after a time phrase such as "in the meantime"?

Should I use a comma after a time phrase such as "in the meantime"?

A time phrase is something that gives details of the time that something happened. It might be a single word or a complete phrase. Some examples of time phrases are tomorrow, at 2pm, five hundred years ago, and in the meantime.

When a time phrase adds information to an independent clause or sentence that follows it then it should be followed by a comma. If the phrase or sentence comes before the time phrase then it shouldn't have a comma before it.

Example 1:

Correct: Five hundred years ago, there were no grammar books.
Incorrect: Five hundred years ago there were no grammar books.
Correct: There were no grammar books five hundred years ago.
Incorrect: There were no grammar books, five hundred years ago.

Example 2:

Correct: Yesterday, there was no new news.
Incorrect: Yesterday there was no new news.
Correct: There was no new news yesterday.
Incorrect: There was no new news, yesterday.

In general, the rules around commas and time phrases are as follows:

If the time phrase comes before an independent clause or sentence, use a comma after the time phrase.
If the time phrase comes after an independent clause or sentence, no comma is necessary.

Example 1:

Correct: Last week, my husband and I went to the movies.
Incorrect: Last week my husband and I went to the movies.

Example 2:

Correct: A hundred years ago, women in the United States gained the right to vote.
Incorrect: A hundred years ago women in the United States gained the right to vote.

Example 3:

Correct: The Roman Empire fell centuries ago.
Incorrect: The Roman Empire fell, centuries ago.

Example 4:

Correct: I have an appointment at three o’clock.
Incorrect: I have an appointment, at three o’clock.

The comma rule also applies to independent clauses that are not their own sentences. Sometimes independent clauses are tied to other clauses.

For example:

Correct: Go to sleep, and tonight, Santa will bring you toys.
Correct: Go to sleep, and Santa will bring you toys tonight.
Incorrect: Go to sleep, and tonight Santa will bring you toys.
Incorrect: Go to sleep, and Santa will bring you toys, tonight.

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