Eric W. answered • 07/24/22
Pharmacist, Senior Medical Writer, and Professional Tutor
That is a great question. It is a little confusing, but you do not need a comma if the subordinate clause follows the main clause.
For example, these are all correct:
Grace is an excellent athlete though she injured her leg recently.
Grace is an excellent athlete although she injured her leg recently.
We can begin if you're ready.
We must wait although you're ready.
HOWEVER, if the main clause follows the subordinate clause, you must use a comma.
For example:
Though she injured her leg recently, Grace is an excellent athlete.
Although she injured her leg recently, Grace is an excellent athlete.
If you're ready, we can begin.
Although you're ready, we must wait.
Kiersti G.
One additional angle that might help is that sometimes this is restrictive vs. nonrestrictive clauses--basically, whether or not the information after "although" changes the meaning of the sentence. So in your first example here, what comes after "although" does change the meaning of the sentence--the sea is not actually completely calm. In the second sentence, the "although" clause doesn't change the meaning, it just adds additional information. One way I've found helpful to present it is if you could "scoop" off the extra phrase/clause with a comma and not change the essential meaning, then you need the comma. Hope this helps! It's a confusing one. :)07/25/22
Muhammad M.
Thanx for answering... But I have noticed in different dictionaries and articles (Adverbs of contrast/concession) , people do use comma.... ‘I'm still amazed by the calmness of the sea although it does now at least have some rollers.’ (from lexico.com dictionary) ‘She said Mr Brown had agreed to conduct the service, although it was not his usual church.’(from lexico.com dictionary) what's the difference?? Both almost depicting same meaning , but there is difference in use of comma.....07/24/22