Here's why:
* Phrases are not clauses. A phrase is a group of words that lacks a subject or verb (or both), while an independent clause has both a subject and verb and can stand alone as a sentence.
* Commas are used to separate clauses, not just any combination of words. A comma is used between an independent clause and a dependent clause, or between two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Examples:
* Comma required: *The dog, barking loudly, ran towards the gate.* (independent clause + participial phrase)
* Comma not required: *The dog barked loudly at the gate. (independent clause + prepositional phrase)
Important Note:
Sometimes, a comma is used after a phrase to avoid confusion or to emphasize the phrase. This is a matter of style and not a strict rule.
In summary: Don't automatically add a comma between an independent clause and a phrase. Consider if the phrase is a dependent clause, or if it's a phrase that requires a comma for clarity or emphasis.