Final answer:
Transition words of two or more syllables do not always require a comma. The need for a comma depends on their placement and use within a sentence. Transitional words and phrases are vital for the flow of writing and connecting ideas smoothly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transition words of two or more syllables do not automatically need a comma after the word. Whether to use a comma depends on how the transition word is used in the sentence. Transitional words and phrases help to create flow in writing, showing the connection between sentences and paragraphs.
For instance, when a transitional phrase is used in the beginning of a sentence to connect it to the previous one, a comma is typically used after the phrase. Alternatively, if a transition word is being used adverbially in the middle of a sentence to modify a verb, it may not necessarily require a comma.
Consider the difference in these examples:
- Consequently, the study concluded that sleep is essential.
- I will therefore attend the meeting.
In the first example, "Consequently," a transition word, starts the sentence and is followed by a comma. In the second example, "therefore," also a transitional word, is used within the sentence without a comma.
Understanding how transitional words function in a sentence can help determine the proper punctuation. The flow of the text is crucial for readability and comprehensibility, making these decisions about commas and transitions all the more important.