Writers like to sprinkle their work with subordinate clauses because they add variety to sentence structure. A reading diet too heavy with simple sentences or even compound sentences becomes wearisome quickly.
A subordinate clause can either precede or follow its main clause. What writers tend to get confused about, however, is when and where to place commas in relation to subordinate clauses.
The simple rule is this: If a subordinate clause precedes the main clause, separate the two with a comma:
Unless you have a lot of money, steer clear of Rodeo Drive.
If the subordinate clause follows the main clause, no comma is usually needed:
Steer clear of Rodeo Drive unless you have a lot of money.
Many writers wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation to stick a comma between Drive and unless even though it’s not strictly necessary. There’s a natural pause that seems to call for a comma, but try to resist its call unless a pause is needed for special emphasis.
Exercise 2: Do you need a comma??? If you do, where do you need it?
1)Because it was raining I wore a long coat.
2)I felt the wind while I was outside.
3)If you go outside you will get cold.
4)Although I was all wet I continued to stand in the rain.
5)He felt like he was getting a cold after he stood out in the rain.
6)I feel pretty when I wear purple.
7)When I wear purple I feel pretty.
Combination! Subordinators and coordinators.
Exercise 3: Do you need a comma??? If you do, where do you need it?
1)I saw the movie and I ate popcorn.
2)When I went to the movie I ate popcorn.
3)You are a horrible person but smell great.
4)I think I like you because you smell good.
5)If you smell like vanilla I like you.
6)The giant panda ate the children so we shot it.
7)While the flowers were ugly the grass was very nice.
8)After the lights came on I didn’t like you anymore.