Commas with Subordinate Clauses

Commas with Subordinate Clauses

Introductory Clauses

Always add a comma after them

Example

Before you leave, I need to tell you something.

Multiple Choice

While I did my homework I listened to music.

• While, I did my homework, I listened to music.

• While I did my homework, I listened to music.

• While I did my homework, I, listened to music.

• No comma is needed.

Multiple Choice

Whereas I have to walk to school most people drive to school.

• Whereas, I have to walk to school most people drive to school.

• Whereas, I have to walk to school, most people drive to school.

• Whereas I have to walk to school, most people drive to school.

• No comma is needed.

Nonessential Clauses

The noun before it is specific enough, so you should add commas.

Example

South Bend, where I have lived my whole life, has crazy weather.

Multiple Choice

Mr. Johnson who loves to sing enjoys Karaoke parties.

• Mr. Johnson, who loves to sing, enjoys Karoake parties.

• Mr. Johnson, who loves to sing enjoys Karaoke parties.

• Mr. Johnson who loves to sing, enjoys Karaoke parties.

• No commas are needed.

Multiple Choice

His grey car that has a flat tire is stuck in his driveway.

• His grey car that has a flat, tire is stuck in his driveway

• His grey car, that has a flat tire, is stuck in his driveway.

• His grey car, that has a flat tire, is stuck, in his driveway.

• No commas are needed.

Essential Clauses

No commas are needed since the information is important to understanding the sentence.

Example

The little girl who adores Disney princesses has twelve dresses.

Multiple Choice

The person who will win the contest has a lot of talent.

• The person, who will win the contest, has a lot of talent.

• The person, who will win the contest has a lot of talent.

• The person who will win the contest, has a lot of talent.

• No commas are needed.

Multiple Choice

I am not sure the shirt that you want for your birthday will be in stock.

• I am not sure the shirt, that you want, for your birthday, will be in stock.

• I am not sure the shirt that you want for your birthday, will be in stock.

• I am not sure the shirt that you want, for your birthday, will be in stock.

• No commas are needed.

Now let's try a few

Multiple Choice

After the movie ends I will call you to pick me up.

• After the movie ends, I will call you to pick me up.

• After the move ends, i will call you, to pick me up.

• After, the movie ends, I will call you to pick me up.

• No comma is needed.

Multiple Choice

My oldest cousin who has cancer is a fighter.

• My oldest cousin who has cancer, is a fighter.

• My oldest, cousin who has cancer is a figher.

• My oldest cousin, who has cancer, is a fighter.

• No commas are needed.

Multiple Choice

That show which airs on Netflix is super funny.

• That show, which airs on Netflix, is super funny.

• That show, which airs on Netflix is super funny.

• That show which airs on Netflix is super, funny.

• No commas are needed.

Multiple Choice

If he doesn't pass the test he won't get his license.

• If he doesn't pass the test, he won't get his license.

• If he doesn't pass the test, he won't get, his license.

• If he, doesn't pass the test, he won't get his license.

• No comma is needed.

Multiple Choice

My brother has always loved Superman who has amazing superpowers.

• My brother, has always loved Superman who has amazing superpowers.

• My brother has always loved Superman, who has amazing superpowers.

• My brother has always loved Superman, who has amazing, superpowers.

• No comma is needed.

Multiple Choice

Whether you like it or not there is a test today.

• Whether you like it or not, there is a test today.

• Whether you like it or not, there is a test, today.

• Whether, you like it or not, there is a test today.

• No comma is needed.