farzana87 wrote:
Why is not there a comma separating the main clause from the subordinating clause?
Children tend to be more susceptible than adults to bronchitis and asthma possibly because, according to recent research, children retain 35 percent more of inhaled airborne particles on the surface of their lungs than adults do.
A comma after "Children tend to be more susceptible than adults to bronchitis and asthma" is incorrect, right?
I play basketball because I love it.
Because I love it, I play basketball.
I am happy although I got the answer wrong.
Although I got the answer wrong, I am happy.
All are correct right?
1. If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, then a comma in between is mandatory.
2. If the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, then a comma in between may or may not be required. Following are some thumb rules:
2.1.In general, a comma is not required.
2.2. Exception: for contrast clauses (though, although, whereas, while), a comma is required.
2.3. "Because" with a negative verb: Comma may or may not be required depending on the meaning.
I did not do my homework because I was tired.
There can be two meanings for the above:
meaning 1: I did not do my home work - the reason was that I was tired. (non-essential clause- use comma)
meaning 2: I did not do my homework - the reason was not that I was tired, the reason was something else. (essential clause, do not use comma)
Given the above thumb rules following are the reasons that your sentences are right or wrong:
sentence 1: right - rule: 2.1
sentence 2,4 - right: rule 1
sentence 3 - wrong: rule 2.2