When do you use a comma when you have clauses?

Answer 1

Directions for Using Commas with Clauses

Identify Clauses: Determine if the sentence has one or more independent clauses (complete thoughts) and dependent clauses (incomplete thoughts).

Use a Comma Before a Coordinating Conjunction: If you have two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), place a comma before the conjunction.

Example: I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

Use a Comma After Introductory Dependent Clauses: If a sentence starts with a dependent clause, place a comma after it before the main clause.

Example: Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.

No Comma for a Dependent Clause at the End: If a dependent clause comes at the end of the sentence, do not use a comma before it.

Example: We decided to go for a walk although it was raining.

Practice: Write five sentences that include both independent and dependent clauses, applying the comma rules correctly.

Review your sentences to ensure the commas are placed correctly!

When to Use Commas with Clauses

Commas are essential punctuation marks that help clarify meaning and structure in sentences. Here's when to use commas with clauses:

Independent Clauses Joined by Coordinating Conjunctions

Use a comma before coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) when joining two independent clauses.

Example:

I finished my report, and I submitted it to my supervisor.

The meeting ran late, so we had to reschedule the client call.

Dependent Clauses at the Beginning of Sentences

Place a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence.

Example:

Although the project was challenging, the team completed it on time.

When the new policy takes effect, all employees must comply.

Non-essential Dependent Clauses

Use commas to set off non-essential dependent clauses within a sentence.

Example:

Our CEO, who joined the company last year, announced a new initiative.

The quarterly report, which was released this morning, shows positive growth.

Introductory Phrases

Place a comma after introductory phrases, especially if they're longer than four words.

Example:

After reviewing the proposal, the committee approved the budget.

In light of recent developments, we need to revise our strategy.

Analogies:

Traffic Signals:

Think of commas as traffic signals in a sentence. Just as traffic lights guide drivers when to stop, slow down, or proceed, commas guide readers through the structure of a sentence. They indicate where to pause, separate ideas, or group related information together.

Building Blocks:

Imagine clauses as building blocks in a sentence structure. Commas act like the mortar between these blocks, holding them together while also showing where one block ends and another begins. Just as mortar is crucial for a stable structure, commas are essential for clear, well-organized sentences.

Misconception 1: Commas are always needed before conjunctions in compound sentences.

How to address this misconception:

Explain that commas are used before conjunctions (like "and," "but," or "or") when they connect two independent clauses. Provide examples to illustrate situations where a comma is necessary and where it is not, such as in "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain" versus "I like ice cream and cake."

Misconception 2: Commas should be used to separate every item in a list.

How to address this misconception:

Clarify the rules for using commas in lists, emphasizing that a comma is typically used to separate items, but the last comma before "and" (the Oxford comma) is optional and can depend on style preference. Offer examples showing both cases and engage students in a discussion about when they think it's important to include the Oxford comma.

Misconception 3: Clauses are always independent, so commas are not needed.

How to address this misconception:

Teach the difference between independent and dependent clauses. Explain that dependent clauses cannot stand alone and often require a comma when they precede an independent clause. Use examples such as "Although it was raining, we decided to go for a hike" to show how commas help clarify the relationship between clauses. Engage students in identifying the types of clauses in sentences to reinforce understanding.

Answer 2

Compound sentences: You can use a comma with a coordinating conjunction to combine to independent clauses (simple sentences).

Ex: Mary hates tea parties, but she agreed to attend one with her younger sister.

Complex sentences: You can use a comma when the dependent clause comes first.

Ex: If Jordan cleans up his room promptly, his mom will buy some ice cream for his dessert.

Answer 3

When joining dependent and independent clauses, place a comma between IF the dependent comes first followed by the independent. Example: When class was finally over, we were happy.

If the independent clause comes first followed by the dependent clause, no comma is necessary:

Example: We were happy when class was finally over.

Answer 4

Sentences require punctuation: The following list shows the pattern.

1. Independent clause. Use a period for a simple sentence or an independent clause.

2. Two Independent clauses joined by a comma is called a comma splice.

3. Two Independent clauses is called a run-on.

4. Two Independent clauses joined by a comma plus ,for; ,and; ,nor ; ,but ; , or; ,yet, s= plurals.