Using Commas with Subordinate Clauses

Using Commas

Helpful Terms to Know

• Phrase - lacks either noun or verb (or both) Clause - contains a subject and a verb

• Dependent Clause will start with a subordinate conjunction (sounds unfinished)

• Independent Clause could be a sentence by itself 

• Example: After English class, I am always in a good mood.

• Example: After I go to English class, I am always in a good mood.

Rule #1: Commas with INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS

• As I went to school, I had regrets.

• Before you go to bed, brush your teeth.

• If you don't understand, ask a question

• In case you were wondering, I never allow myself to be exposed to direct sunlight unless I have my scarf, my sunglasses, and a large umbrella.

ABBI SAW A WUWU

• These words ALWAYS INTRODUCE ideas in sentences. They are also known as SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS.

• You MUST use a comma if using these words to begin a sentence.

Multiple Choice

Because digital systems record indiscriminately; they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom.

• A. NO CHANGE

• B. Because digital systems record, indiscriminately, they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom.

• C. Because digital systems record indiscriminately, they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom.

• D. Because digital systems record, indiscriminately they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom.

Multiple Choice

If employees find themselves falling behind in the workplace, these critics contend. Then it is the duty of those employees to identify and even pay them.

• A. NO CHANGE

• B. contend; then

• C. contend, then

• D. contend then

Rule #2: Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

Rule #3: Commas to separate items or ideas

Rule #4:Use a comma to add additional/interrupting information (appositives)

Appositives

The term appositive comes from a Latin verb that means "to put near or next to." It's function is to give additional meaning to a noun or pronoun.

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Appositives: a group of words that identifies, renames, or explains a noun or pronoun.

Multiple Choice

MARK THE CORRECT ANSWER

The chief surgeon an expert in organ transplant procedures took her nephew on a hospital tour.

• A. NO CHANGE

• B. The chief surgeon, an expert in organ transplant procedures took her nephew on a hospital tour.

• C. The chief surgeon, an expert in organ transplant procedures, took her nephew on a hospital tour.

Rule #5: Use a comma to separate adjectives that equally modify the same noun

• EX: John’s eyes met the hard, bright lights.

• EX: Matt was tired of working in the hot, smelly kitchen. 

• TIP: 

  If it makes sense to insert “and” between the adjectives, use a comma.  If not, don’t use a comma.

  
  

• EX: She took her usual morning walk.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

The pitiful little puppy sat shivering at the side of the road.

• The pitiful little puppy ,sat shivering at the side of the road.

• The pitiful little puppy sat, shivering at the side of the road.

• The pitiful, little puppy sat shivering at the side of the road.

• The pitiful little puppy sat shivering at the side, of the road.

Rule #6: Use a comma to separate an interjection or an interruption from the rest of the sentence.

• EX: Hey, how are you?   ← interjection

• EX: Okay, what do I do now?  ← interjection  

• EX: For me, well, it’s pretty easy. ← interruption

• 
  

Rule #7: Use a comma or a pair of commas to set off a parenthetical or nonessential phrases/clauses.

• EX: The girl, who was quite beautiful, was the first in line.

• EX: He went with Sarah, his coworker, for a walk.

  
  

Open Ended

Rewrite the sentence and add commas around the nonessential phrase.

Kelly waiting outside the stage door got the band leader’s autograph.