when to put a comma before so

0Truthfully, you'll get a different answer based on opinions because there is no hard and fast rule for something like that (that EVERYONE will agree on). The Harbrace handbook explains that "so" should be thought of as a conjunction. You always put a comma before so, unless "that" follows "so." In other words, I am writing this so that you will understand when to use a comma...see, that sentenc

I agree that both of those sentences would benefit from a comma, but I must take issue with some of your reasoning, “anonymous”. That second sentence could never be construed to read "the shops were closed because you couldn't buy anything", nor does it "literally" mean that. I challenge you to find one person who would ever read that as the intent of the sentence - and I guarantee y

Place a comma before so if the proceeding clause is independent (nonesential):

--independent clause--

It rained, so we could not play baseball.

...we could not play baseball is an independent clause; that is, it can stand alone as a complete sentence; therefore, a comma should precede so. Some writers may omit the

"The shops were closed so I couldn't buy anything."
=> The shops were closed to prevent me from buying anything.
(Clarifying example: The car stopped so (that) I could cross the street.)
or
"The shops were closed, so I couldn't buy anything."
=> I couldn't buy anything because the shops were closed.

I agree that a comma belongs in both sentences. However, the sentence definitely does not mean that 'the shops were closed because you could not buy anything' and could not be construed as such. There is an inherent problem with the sentence, and without the comma it implies that the stores closed to prevent the buyer from buying anything. I think this may be what anonymous was trying to g

Hi. Please tell me if we could put a comma with a sentence with the word "so" (when it functions as the phrase "so that" and essential) when the part before it is long and perhaps has a coordinating conjunction like "and"?

How about this as a reason to put a comma before a sentence like the one I tried point out above?

If one has to pause after a long part of the sentence befo

Certainly not. When the word so introduces a purpose clause, for example "I went home so I could watch it on TV" or modifies a modifier, for example "It was so heavy I couldn't lift the rock" it does not take

She asked me to go, so I went. = I went because she asked me to go.

"The shops were closed so I couldn't buy anything." That wouldn't mean, "The shops were closed because I couldn't buy anything." It would mean, "I couldn't buy anything because the shops were closed."

Your challenge stands. A little odd, but it stands nonetheless.

So preceded by a comma means and therefore; so without a comma means in order that. Both of your sentences need a comma.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the way to tell if a comma before so is not needed is to read the sentence in question placing the word "just" BEFORE so. If that stays true to the meaning/intent of the sentence, then a comma is not needed. Otherwise, use a comma as per previous comments concerning coordinating conjunctions.

It is important to note that the "just" should be placed only befor