When a word or phrase forms an introduction … Use a comma if the if clause is at the beginning of the sentence. He can only BRING me a new bike while he IS. see also: → Conditional Sentences Type I, II and III December 12, 2007 by constant-content in Freelance Writing Tips. Complete conditional sentences contain a conditional clause (often referred to as the if-clause) and the consequence. When we use a dependent clause to modify the main idea expressed by an independent clause, we link them together, usually with the independent clause coming first and then followed by the dependent clause. “ If, then” statements require commas to separate the two clauses that result. Shouldn’t it be: If Santa Clause (ha, ha) WERE real? II: If I studied, I would pass the exam. If I use correct punctuation, then I will include commas where necessary. Now I know that if you leave the "then" implied, that you still use a comma. In other cases, a relative clause may be essential. It’s a judgment call, not a hard and fast rule. If Hillary Clinton wins the election in 2008, then she will become the first female president. If Hillary Clinton wins the election in 2008, then she will become the first female president. [email protected]. if clause main clause; I: If I study, I will pass the exam. Commas should be placed before and after a non-essential element in the middle of a sentence These clauses ARE offset with commas. Conditional clauses can also be used to talk about consequences, or to give an opinion about a situation in the following ways: The if-clause uses the present simple tense and the main clause uses the present simple tense. Posts include a range of topics, from content tips and practical writing advice to the latest SEO and content distribution techniques. Non-essential, nonrestrictive clauses should be set off from the rest of the sentence with a set of commas. If I use correct punctuation, then I will include commas where necessary. In the following sentences, add commas to set off adjective clauses that provide additional, but not essential, information. The sentence can begin with an if clause or a main clause. According to The Chicago Manual of Style, “…a comma usually precedes the c… Don't add commas if the adjective clause affects the basic meaning of the sentence. If the sentence makes sense without the information and/or the clause is just additional information, it is a nonessential clause. Rule: If the dependent clause comes first, you should use a comma. Conditional sentences are statements discussing known factors or hypothetical situations and their consequences. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not … If you'd happily put your clause in brackets or delete it, then use commas because it must be non-essential. For instance, the word 'that' can also be a determiner, e.g. (2) Understanding when to offset an adverbial clause with commas. ~ Use a comma to separate the dependent clause from the independent when it follows the independent one if the dependent clause is nonessential. "If" is a subordinating conjunction introducing a subordinate clause, so it is separated from the main clause, the "then" clause, by an ensuing comma. Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence. Cleo is a good singer, but she’s an even better dancer. Such clauses are called conditional clauses. When the if-clause comes first in the sentence, we put a comma (,) after it. However, when a subordinate clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, you set it off with a comma. use a comma with a coordinating conjunction to separate two independent clauses ; use a comma to set-off non-essential elements such as a phrase or clause. Appositives act as synonyms for a … An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence: I watch movies.Two independent clauses can be joined with a conjunction: I watch movies and I watch television.A comma can be placed before the conjunction: I watch movies, and I watch television.So, should you use commas before conjunctions that connect two independent clauses? So I think we can use them anyhow except for the meaning is communicated incorrectly, or reading and understanding get more difficult. Exercise. Last year, PLC provided the material; and we, L&S Ltd, built the road. Our blog is about content marketing and copywriting. Quick Guide to Commas Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. Example: If I go to London, I will visit the Tower. 1. If you have a restrictive clause, which is a clause that changes the meaning of your sentence when it is removed, you should not put a comma before “who.” On the other hand, if the clause after “who” only provides some additional, unnecessary information you should add a comma. "If an independent clause follows a dependent clause then you can use a comma to separate it from the independent clause. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. Examples: If you lie, you're out. Rule: If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, separate it with a comma. "if' clause is usually a dependent clause." Notice how there is a comma after the verb rains which is the last part of the if-clause. 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