What is an introductory clause?

An introductory clause is a dependent clause that appears at the beginning of a sentence and provides background information or context for the main clause that follows. It may include a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Introductory clauses are often used to add detail, set the stage for the main idea, or create a smoother transition between ideas in a paragraph. They are typically followed by a comma to separate them from the main clause that follows. Examples of introductory clauses include:

• "While I was sleeping, the phone rang."
• "In the midst of a global pandemic, many people turned to online shopping."
• "Although she was tired, she decided to continue working on her project."