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Victo Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Comma before 'because'

Is it mandatory to insert a comma before 'because' in the sentence below?

He didn't go to the meeting, because he disliked his boss.
(I'm told that the insertion of the comma before 'because' is mandatory because the sentence is saying that the reason he didn't go to the meeting was that he didn't like his boss, and that's the only reasson; thus, the comma is mandatory.)

He didn't go to the meeting because he disliked his boss.
(I'm told omission of the comma before 'because' gives the sentence an entirely different meaning. He didn't go because he disliked his boss; he went [or didn't go] for another reason altogether different.)

Please provide validation of this concept. Does it hold true, and would you use it?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Victo: I don't read any difference in meaning. I would not pause after "because" when saying it, and would not put a comma there in writing it. If you begin the sentence with the clause, then a comma is necessary: Because he disliked his boss, he didn't go to the meeting.

  • Victo: I don't read any difference in meaning.
  • I would not pause after "because" when saying it, and would not put a comma there in writing it.
  • If you begin the sentence with the clause, then a comma is necessary: Because he disliked his boss, he didn't go to the meeting.
  • Again, there is no change in meaning.
  • Regards, A- s
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3 Answers
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Victo:
I don't read any difference in meaning. I would not pause after "because" when saying it, and would not put a comma there in writing it.

If you begin the sentence with the clause, then a comma is necessary:

Because he disliked his boss, he didn't go to the meeting.

Again, there is no change in meaning.

Regards,
A-
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Hi,

Is it mandatory to insert a comma before 'because' in the sentence below?

He didn't go to the meeting, because he disliked his boss.

(I'm told that the insertion of the comma before 'because' is mandatory because the sentence is saying that the reason he didn't go to the meeting was that he didn't like his boss, and that's the only reasson; thus, the comma i
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Of course, Clive.. the continuation clarifies all!

Thanks!

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