A post about grammar - part 2 - Beginning of a sentence

1. Comma at the beginning of a sentence:
   Because I lost the race, I had to pay five dollars. (dependent clauses before independent clauses)
   Honestly, you should have told me months ago. (sentence adverb)
   Hey, remember me? Yep, I did it. (interjections)
   She kissed me passionately. And then she decked me. (coordinating conjunctions)
   Tommy told me he washed and put away the dishes. Yet he can’t even reach the sink. (coordinating conjunctions)
   Yet, and this is crucial, I’d forgotten to pack my pistol. (non-essential phrase)
   “But, Milt, I don’t know how to drive.” // “Lucy, please pick up your roller skates.” (direct address)
   Wanting to know where we were going, Gina and I lifted the blinds. (introductory phrase)
   On Saturday we’ll be going to the movies. (short introductory phrase)
   A red-haired recruit, Darren Smithson, caught the eye of the drill sergeant’s daughter. (appositives)
   Now you see it, now you don’t. // First you’ll need two hammers. Then you’ll need two aspirin. (transitional words/phrases)
   Today is my birthday. (transitional word - subject)
   Sighing, Madison began the climb up the six flights of stairs. (single word offset by comma)

========== Transitionals ==========

• Transition words such as therefore and indeed are often followed by commas, but they don’t have to be. The trend is toward a more light-handed use of commas. (e.g. Therefore you shouldn’t have to pay a dime.)
• The word however, however, should be followed by a comma at the beginning of a sentence when it means nevertheless.
  
• Do include a comma when the transition word is followed by a dependent clause or a question. (e.g. Therefore, if you think about it, you’ll know I’m right.)
• Although there are exceptions, don’t shy away from commas after introductory elements. You will include them much of the time. (e.g. Nevertheless, I’d forgotten the entire speech. // On the other hand, you’ll probably want to order dessert.)
• SOURCE: http://theeditorsblog.net/2015/08/27/introduce-me-with-a-comma/ (comma, beginning of sentence)

========== Sources ===========

• http://theeditorsblog.net/2015/08/27/introduce-me-with-a-comma/ (comma, beginning of sentence)

========= Definitions ==========

• because, if, when, since -> subordinating conjunctions
• for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so -> coordinating conjunctions
• appositives: renaming the noun
• transitional words/phrases ->
  contrast—despite, on the contrary, on the other hand, still
  cause and effect—therefore, thus, so
  restatement or clarification—in other words, again
  time—now, then, later, today, tomorrow, yesterday, afterward
  example—that is, for example, specifically
  intensification—of course, indeed, in fact, undoubtedly