The key to knowing whether you should use commas to connect independent clauses to dependent clauses is seeing which clause comes first. Joining a dependent clause to an independent clause sometimes requires a comma and sometimes doesn’t. Here’s the good news: the rules are fairly straightforward if you’re good at identifying which clauses are which.
We’ll learn more about conjunctions in a later chapter unless it just happens to be for one of the other comma rules we’ll be looking at soon.
In the meantime, let’s look at an example that shows how we can link a dependent clause to an independent clause:
I came back early from the store because I had forgotten my wallet.
In this sentence, we have two clauses:
The conjunction (in this case, “because”) always belongs to the clause after it, not the clause before it (see below).
I came back early from the store because I had forgotten my wallet.
In this case, we can see that the independent clause comes first (as it can stand alone as a sentence). The second clause is dependent since the word “because” makes it not a complete sentence: “because I had forgotten my wallet” doesn’t express a complete thought. Since the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed at the transition point between the clauses.
Again, the key to answering these questions correctly on the ACT lies in which clause comes first.
If an independent clause comes before a dependent clause, you don’t need a comma to connect them. However, when the dependent clause goes first, a comma is needed.
Let’s take the same example and flip it so the dependent clause comes first:
Because I had forgotten my wallet, I came back early from the store.
Even though we flipped the clause order, this is a perfectly acceptable sentence.
Here’s what you need to remember: the comma is used to separate these two clauses because the dependent clause came first.
When a dependent clause comes before an independent clause, you ALWAYS need a comma between them.
Now you try it. Determine if the comma separating the clauses should be there or not. Use these steps to try to answer both questions correctly.
Determine which clause is independent and which is dependent. Remember, an independent clause can stand on its own while a dependent clause can’t.
If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, you need a comma between them.
You do not need a comma if the independent clause comes before the dependent clause.
Does this sentence need a comma?
Even though they exhibit beauty, dandelions are considered weeds.
Answer: Yes. Since the dependent clause comes first, we need a comma to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause.
Does this sentence need a comma?
The pressures of modern life can be heavy, since they are incredibly complex.
Answer: No. We don’t need a comma in this sentence because the independent clause comes before the dependent clause.
Now that you’ve had some practice, give these questions a try. It will be tempting to circle answers based on what “sounds right” or “looks right,” but we encourage you to apply the rule and know that you are right. Take your time, and shoot for 100% accuracy, which is totally possible if you follow the exact same steps
Determine which clause is independent and which is dependent.
You need a comma between them if the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
You do not need a comma if the independent clause comes before the dependent clause.
Answer the following questions. Each sentence below has a comma in it. Determine whether the comma is needed or not.
Although he tried not to show it, it was clear he was mad at me.
Answer: Yes. We need the comma here because the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
The boat had had a glimmering red trim, when it was first purchased.
Answer: No. The independent clause comes before the dependent clause, so we don’t need a comma.
Before I was finished detailing my car, it began to rain.
Answer: Yes. We need the comma here because the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
The road trip seemed extra long, because space was limited.
Answer: No. The independent clause comes before the dependent clause, so we don’t need a comma.
I wasn’t aware of how hungry I was, until the smell of cooking filled the air.
Answer: No. The independent clause comes before the dependent clause, so we don’t need a comma.
I think I’d like to try skydiving, if I wasn’t scared to even get on my roof.
Answer: No. The independent clause comes before the dependent clause, so we don’t need a comma.
I sometimes manage to remember to charge my phone, after I get in bed at night.
Answer: No. The independent clause comes before the dependent clause, so we don’t need a comma.
While I knew she was my best friend, I wondered about her other influences.
Answer: Yes. We need the comma here because the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
I was disappointed, when the trip was officially canceled.
Answer: No. The independent clause comes before the dependent clause, so we don’t need a comma.
As the summer heat bore down, the road spit heat vapors back at the sky.
Answer: Yes. We need the comma here because the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
Now review the ones you missed. Then, try the next set, and let’s answer all ten of them correctly.
Answer the following questions. Each sentence below has a comma in it. Determine whether the comma is needed or not.
The community event was well-attended, even if donations were sparse.
Answer: No. The independent clause comes before the dependent clause, so we don’t need a comma.
If the circumstances are right, water can be just as dangerous as snow on the road.
Answer: Yes. Since the dependent clause comes first, we need a comma to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause.
Because school got out early, my schedule was off the rest of the day.
Answer: Yes. We need the comma here because the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
After I took my nap, I didn’t feel very well.
Answer: Yes. We need the comma here because the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
The work my parents do keeps them busy, after the sun goes down most days.
Answer: No. The independent clause comes before the dependent clause, so we don’t need a comma.
Since seeing the example of my uncle, I try to help other people often.
Answer: Yes. We need the comma here because the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
Although my family sometimes doesn’t understand them, my hobbies give me an escape.
Answer: Yes. We need the comma here because the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
I was never a fan of art, until I visited the Smithsonian.
Answer: No. The independent clause comes before the dependent clause, so we don’t need a comma.
Once he found out he was being filmed, he started acting differently.
Answer: Yes. We need the comma here because the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
Ever since I found a random Walmart vest in the street, I’ve been plotting a prank.
Answer: Yes. We need the comma here because the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
Total up how many you missed. If you missed some, review the rules you learned in this chapter (we’ve made a summary of them for you below). If you can learn these rules, you’re well on your way to scoring well on the English ACT.