Prepositional phrases are not generally set off by the comma; but if they are long and at some distance from the word to which they are added, or if they come between the subject and predicate, the comma is often used; thus,

(a) After looking at the Alps, I felt that my mind had been stretched beyond the limit of its elasticity.

(J) Paul Revere, at a signal from his friend, rode away to give warning of the advance of the British.

Exercise 136

Select prepositional phrases and set off by the comma those that you think should be set off.

1. On a pleasant morning in the merry month of May two little girls were sitting under a laurel tree.

2. The names of these two girls were Jane and Catherine Gray.

3. Under the leadership of General Sam Houston the colonists declared themselves independent.

4. Then the Romans at the call of the trumpet rushed forward.

5. With a few blows from his tremendous battle ax Sir Guy put a stop to the cruel sport.

Exercise 137. Review

Review the definitions of the parts of speech you have studied (§ 49). Illustrate each in a sentence.

Review definitions of verbal and verb phrase. Illustrate each in a sentence.