Which sentence correctly uses a comma after an introductory participial phrase?

• A. Running late, I missed the bus.
• B. Running late I missed the bus.
• C. Running, late I missed the bus.
• D. Running late, I miss the bus.

Answer: (A)

An introductory participial phrase sets up the situation before the main action and is separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma.

Here, “Running late” is the introductory participial phrase. It describes the speaker and introduces the result in the main clause, which is “I missed the bus.” Placing a comma after the introductory phrase helps readers pause and clearly connect the cause (being late) with the effect (missing the bus). This makes the sentence easier to understand and keeps the timing consistent.

Without the comma, the sentence becomes harder to parse and can feel like the parts flow together without a clear boundary. Chopping the phrase with a comma after “Running” creates an awkward structure that doesn’t fit the standard way introductory participial phrases are punctuated. Using present tense in the main clause (“I miss”) also clashes with the past event implied by the introductory phrase; sticking with “missed” aligns the tenses and keeps the meaning clear.