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Usenet Posted 23 years ago
Usage

Because in complex sentence

When "because" is used as a sentence conjunction in a complex sentence, is a comma required before the "because?"

For example:
I ate an apple and he ate a banana.
vs.
I ate an apple, and he ate a banana.
  

Top answer

" For example: I ate an apple and he ate a banana. vs. [/nq] No.

  • " For example: I ate an apple and he ate a banana.
  • vs.
  • [/nq] No.
  • A comma represents a pause.
  • If you want a pause, add a comma.
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17 Answers
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[nq:1]When "because" is used as a sentence conjunction in a complex sentence, is a comma required before the "because?" For example: I ate an apple and he ate a banana. vs. I ate an apple, and he ate a banana.[/nq]
No. A comma represents a pause. If you want a pause, add a comma. If you don't, don't.
The "normal" sentence is the one without the comma. With the comma, and therefore with the
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[nq:2]When "because" is used as a sentence conjunction in a ... vs. I ate an apple, and he ate a banana.[/nq]
[nq:1]No. A comma represents a pause. If you want a pause, add a comma. If you don't, don't.[/nq]
I offer a contrary view with complications.
The complication is that there are two different kinds of conjunctions relevant here, coordinating and subordinating. A coordinating con
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[nq:1] A comma represents a pause. If you want a pause, add a comma. If you don't, don't.[/nq]
A comma doesn't always represent a pause, and a pause doesn't always require a comma.
IMO.
Maria Conlon
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[nq:2] A comma represents a pause. If you want a pause, add a comma. If you don't, don't.[/nq]
[nq:1]A comma doesn't always represent a pause, and a pause doesn't always require a comma. IMO.[/nq]
You tell 'em, Tootsie.

Bob Lieblich
So how far *is* it from Detroit to Chicago?
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[nq:2] A comma represents a pause. If you want a pause, add a comma. If you don't, don't.[/nq]
[nq:1]A comma doesn't always represent a pause, and a pause doesn't always require a comma. IMO.[/nq]
I think Bob L. explained it very well, and I agree with his assessment of comma usage between independent clauses. I am well aware that there are others who have a different view.

Skitt
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[nq:2]A comma doesn't always represent a pause, and a pause doesn't always require a comma. IMO.[/nq]
[nq:1]You tell 'em, Tootsie.[/nq]
Well, I did (maybe), but you explained it, which I am usually unable to do. I learned from your reply (and "Thank You," by the way), but can offer no assurance that I will remember the details.

Maria Conlon
(Nickname: "Tootsie")
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[nq:2]A comma doesn't always represent a pause, and a pause doesn't always require a comma. IMO.[/nq]
[nq:1]I think Bob L. explained it very well, and I agree with his assessment of comma usage between independent clauses. I am well aware that there are others who have a different view.[/nq]
Well, I agree with Bob, too. (See my reply to him.)

What I can't figure out is whether you
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[nq:2]No. A comma represents a pause. If you want a pause, add a comma. If you don't, don't.[/nq]
[nq:1]I offer a contrary view with complications. The complication is that there are two different kinds of conjunctions relevant here, ... "and," "but," and "or." Note that in the preceding sentence "and" is a coordinating conjunction that connects three single words.[/nq]
I wouldn't put a co
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[nq:2]The traditional rule of punctuation when joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction is to put a comma before the conjunction.[/nq]
[nq:1]As I hinted above, I know (knew) of no such rule.[/nq]
From http://ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm:
Use
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You can't speak for readers with comparatively low English literacy skills, who find such clues helpful. The structural comma is also helpful in instructional writing, as in the following example:
"From the File menu, choose Print, and select the target printer."

Neither comma is required, but without them
the instruction lacks clarity.

Michael West
Melbourne, Austral

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