Does this sentence need a comma?

I lost my phone when I was at my friend's house.

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Correct: "I lost my phone when I was at my friend's house."

Incorrect: "I lost my phone, when I was at my friend's house."

In most cases, don’t use a comma between an independent clause and a dependent clause.

I need to buy a dress so I am going to the mall.

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Correct: "I need to buy a dress, so I am going to the mall."

Incorrect: ""I need to buy a dress so I am going to the mall."

You should use a comma any time you combine two independent clauses with any of the seven coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so, for, or, nor, yet)

I can't go to the party but you should go without me.

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Correct: "I can't go to the party, but you should go without me."

Incorrect: "I can't go to the party but you should go without me."

You should use a comma any time you combine two independent clauses with any of the seven coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so, for, or, nor, yet)

She was having a terrible time even though she was at her favourite restaurant.

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Correct: "She was having a terrible time, even though she was at her favourite restaurant."

Incorrect: "She was having a terrible time even though she was at her favourite restaurant."

Sometimes, when you are showing a big contrast between two things, you can use a comma between an independent and dependent clause.

She was having a great time at the restaurant until her friend messaged that they couldn't come.

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Correct: "She was having a great time at the restaurant, until her friend messaged that they couldn't come."

Incorrect: "She was having a great time at the restaurant, until her friend messaged that they couldn't come."

Sometimes, when you are showing a big contrast between two things, you can use a comma between an independent and dependent clause.

When you are walking home from the grocery store be careful not to drop the eggs!

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Correct: "When you are walking home from the grocery store, be careful not to drop the eggs!"

Incorrect: "When you are walking home from the grocery store be careful not to drop the eggs!"

Use a comma when a dependent clause is followed by an independent clause.

The party was fun once my friends arrived.

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Correct: "The party was fun once my friends arrived."

Incorrect: "The party was fun, once my friends arrived."

In most cases, don’t use a comma between an independent clause and a dependent clause.

If you go to the grocery store don't forget your bags!

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Correct: "If you go to the grocery store, don't forget your bags!"

Incorrect: "If you go to the grocery store don't forget your bags!"

Use a comma when a dependent clause is followed by an independent clause.

After the party we should go to Maccas!

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Correct: "After the party, we should go to Maccas!"

Incorrect: "After the party we should go to Maccas!"

Use a comma when you start a sentence with a word or phrase that introduces it.

Before you go remember to grab your bags.

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Correct: "Before you go, remember to grab your bags."

Incorrect: "Before you go remember to grab your bags."

Use a comma when you start a sentence with a word or phrase that introduces it.