Question

When do I need to use a comma before because

Answer 1

General Explanation: Most of the time, you shouldn't use a comma before 'because' when it connects two clauses in a sentence. 'Because' is a subordinating conjunction, which means that it connects a subordinate clause to an independent clause. People dictate that there should be no comma between these two clauses. However, you can use it when the main clause of a sentence contains a negative verb. When you insert a comma before because lets the reader know 'the reason for a negative statement'

Example of a comma before because: I didn't order the book online, because I was running out of reading material.

Subordinate Clause: A subordinate clause contains a subject noun and a verb. For example, in the sentence 'I played out until it went dark', the phrase 'until it went dark' is the subordinate clause because it requires additional information in order to make sense. One thing to note is that unlike an independent clause, it cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Independant Clause: An independent clause is the combination of at least one subject and predicate. It expresses a complete thought. For example: 'The waves crashed onto the sandy shore.' Like the titles says, an independent clause is independant, meaning it can stand alone in a sentence. Be sure not to confuse it with a dependent clause which means its a clause that can't stand alone as a sentence and 'depends' on another clause being there in a sentence. For example: 'While I go to the grocery store' is a dependent clause because it is not a complete sentence. Another independent clause example: 'I enjoy sitting by the fireplace and reading.'

Answer 2

If you need to use a comma with the word “because” in a sentence, you will typically place the comma before “because” rather than after. The word “because” is a subordinating conjunction connecting a dependent clause (or subordinate clause) to an independent clause (or main clause) to make a complex sentence.

Most of the time “Because” is considered a purpose clause that’s responsible for providing a purpose of the action stated in the independent clause. “Because” explains why something happened, which makes it subordinate to the beginning of the sentence, an independent clause.