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Snarf Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

The Because Comma

He loved staring at it while he walked, because it gave him a feeling of vertigo.

Is that comma right, wrong or optional before "because"? What's the rule exactly? Although I doubt there's an exact rule, given all the different things I've seen in print lately regarding it.
  

Top answer

I say it’s wrong. In certain cases, I use a comma before because to avoid confusion.

— RandomGuy

  • I say it’s wrong.
  • In certain cases, I use a comma before because to avoid confusion.
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8 Answers
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I say it’s wrong. In certain cases, I use a comma before because to avoid confusion.
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So, generally, there shouldn't be a comma before "because," then? How do you know when there should be one? What makes that example wrong exactly?
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SnarfSo, generally, there shouldn't be a comma before "because," then?
Yes, that sums it up.
SnarfHow do you know when there should be one?
If there is potential confusion without the comma, use it or rephrase.
SnarfWhat makes that example wrong exactly?
The comma is entirely unnecessary a
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Aspara Gus SnarfSo, generally, there shouldn't be a comma before "because," then?Yes, that sums it up.
Wow. So much for what I learned in grade school all those years ago.
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Aspara Gus If there is potential confusion without the comma, use it or rephrase.
What do you think of this right here?

Paul opens his eyes, but squints immediately, because the bright sunlight and the piercing, blue sky pain him.

Do you think it would be better without those two commas?

Thanks.
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SnarfDo you think it would be better without those two commas?
I’d junk all three commas.
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He cannot meet on Thursday because of schedule conflicts and deadlines.

And I guess in that example as well, there should be no comma before because, correct?
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