Using Commas with Subordinate Clauses

7th More Subordinate Clauses with Commas

Intro Subordinate Clauses

Place comma after them

Multiple Choice

Place the comma.

If I have some extra time I will bake a pie for dessert.

• If, I have some time, I will bake a pie for dessert.

• If I have some time, I will bake a pie, for dessert.

• If I have some time, I, will bake a pie for dessert.

• If I have some time, I will bake a pie for dessert.

Closing Subordinate Clauses

Clauses at the end of sentences do not need a comma.

Multiple Choice

Place the comma.

We left the party after the police arrived.

• We left the party, after the police arrived.

• We left, the party after the police arrived.

• We left the party after, the police arrived.

• No comma

Essential Clauses

The noun before the clause is too vague and the clause is needed. Do not put commas!

Multiple Choice

Place the commas.

The girl who is from Ireland has bright red hair.

• The girl, who is from Ireland, has bright red hair.

• The girl, who is from Ireland has bright, red hair.

• The girl who is from Ireland, has bright, red hair.

• No commas

Nonessential Clauses

The noun before the clause is specific enough, so commas may be placed around the clause.

Multiple Choice

Place the commas.

His favorite pair of shoes that he bought online cost two hundred dollars.

• His favorite pair of shoes, that he bought online cost two hundred dollars.

• His favorite pair of shoes, that he bought online, cost two hundred dollars.

• His favorite pair of shoes that he bought online, cost two hundred dollars.

• No commas

Let's Practice a Few!

Multiple Choice

My grandma who is really good at sewing made me a dress.

• My grandma, who is really good at sewing, made me a dress.

• My grandma who is really good at sewing, made me a dres.

• My grandma, who is really good at sewing made me a dress.

• No commas

Multiple Choice

In order that no one slips you should shovel the driveway.

• In order that, no one slips, you should shovel the driveway.

• In order that no one slips, you should, shovel the driveway.

• In order that no one slips, you should shovel the driveway.

• No commas

Multiple Choice

We will go on vacation as long as there is no hurricane.

• We will go on vacation, as long as, there is no hurricane.

• We will go on vacation as long as, there is no hurricane.

• We will go, on vacation, as long as, there is no hurricane.

• No comma

Multiple Choice

The baby whose mother abandoned her is crying.

• The baby, whose mother abandoned her, is crying.

• The baby, whose mother abandoned her is crying.

• The baby whose mother abandoned her, is crying.

• No commas

Multiple Choice

Whereas I enjoy reading Paul enjoys watching movies.

• Whereas, I enjoy reading, Paul enjoys watching movies.

• Whereas I enjoy reading, Paul enjoys watching movies.

• Whereas, I enjoy reading, Paul, enjoys watching movies.

• No comma