Subordinate Clauses

[Ed]

Writers,

Please take some time to examine your comma usage where subordinate clauses are concerned.

Definition of subordinating clause:
A subordinate clause is usually introduced by a subordinating element such as a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun. It depends on the rest of the sentence for its meaning. It does not express a complete thought, so it does not stand alone. It must always be attached to a main clause that completes the meaning. (englishplus.com/grammar/00000010.htm)

When you begin a sentence with a subordinate clause, a comma should be placed after that clause. When you end a sentence with a subordinate clause (which can be identified because it begins with a subordinate conjunction), no comma precedes it.

Correct examples with subordinate clauses in brackets:
[If you go to the clinic today], (then) ask the doctor to examine that mole. (If-then statements should always contain commas, even when the word "then" is implied.)
Ask the doctor to examine that mole [if you go to the clinic today].

The following page includes a list of some subordinate conjunctions - these include words like:
if
once
when
since

http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/subordinateclause.htm

You can also read about proofreading for commas here:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/ ... proof.html

Thanks,
Ed

[HayleyWriter]

Thanks, Ed. I think the reading on subordinate clauses was extremely helpful, and one I hadn't come across before. I appreciate your continual efforts to help us authors improve and to raise the standards expected here at CC.

Kind regards,

Hayley

[Ed]

Hayley,

So glad you found it helpful.

Ed