Choose the sentence with the correct use of a year-based introductory phrase with a comma.

Choose the sentence with the correct use of a year-based introductory phrase with a comma.

• A. In 2024 the policy was updated.
• B. In 2024, the policy was updated.
• C. In 2024 the policy were updated.
• D. In 2024, policy was updated.

Answer: (B)

Introductory time phrases, like a year at the start of a sentence, are set off with a comma to signal a pause and separate the lead-in from the main idea that follows. Here, starting with “In 2024” and then continuing with “the policy was updated” follows that rule, and the subject-verb agreement is correct—the policy is singular, so it’s “was updated.” The comma after the introductory phrase helps the sentence read clearly and prevents a rush of words into the main clause.

The other options run into small but important issues: skipping the comma after the introductory phrase makes the sentence harder to parse in formal writing; using the plural verb with a singular noun creates a subject-verb mismatch; and omitting the article before policy sounds awkward or ungrammatical in most contexts.