Put a comma after a subordinate clause that starts a sentence: “Although it was raining, we went outside.” You usually do not need a comma when the main clause comes first.
Put commas around extra information in the middle of a sentence: “My brother, who is ten, loves chess.” Put a comma before and, but or so when they join two main clauses: “I was tired, so I went to bed.”
Commas also separate a name when you speak to someone directly: “Can you help me, Dad?”
Worked example
Add the comma: “If you hurry you will catch the bus.”
- If you hurry is a subordinate clause at the front.
- Put a comma after it.
Answer:If you hurry, you will catch the bus.
Key words
- subordinate clause
- a clause that depends on the main clause
- extra information
- words you could remove without breaking the sentence
- direct address
- speaking to someone by name
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: L.4.2c