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Ovtolevks
Commas before/after clauses
Where can a compilation of rules for commas put before or after clauses starting with ‘before’, ‘after’, ‘because’, ‘since’, ‘as’ be found?
Dec 1, 2018 9:43 PM
Answers · 3
Hey Ovtolevks, how are you?
1) ''Before'': When ''before'' is used in the middle of a sentence, it's not usually preceded by a comma. However, a comma should be present in a clause should the word ''before'' be placed at the beginning of it.
E.g.: ''The train had left before he arrived at the station.''
E.g.: ''Before I go, I must phone my parents.''
2) ''After'': if you intend to say that someone does something after doing another, you should then consider two kinds of situations: one related to a statement or description about an event or situation; and the other related to a statement containing a sense of ''demand''. For the former, there is no need for commas; whereas for the latter, the usage of commas shall be required.
E.g.: ''After leaving school he worked as an accountant.'' (in this case, you can notice that no commas are needed as the sentence refers to a statement or description about an event)
E.g.: ''After completing and signing the form, please return it to me.'' (in this case, you are ''demanding'' something from someone, so you should use a comma in order to express your idea more clearly to whom is listening).
3) ''Because'': The usage of commas is required should you wish to use ''because'' with a reason clause when you are either explaining a statement or giving the reason for something. For the latter, the idiom ''because'' shall be shifted to ''because of''.
E.g.: ''Because it's an area of outstanding natural beauty, you can't build on it.''
E.g.: ''Because of the heat, the front door was open.''
4) ''Since''/''as'': When either of these words introduces a sentence and is used in the same sense as ''because'', then the usage of commas in the middle of the sentence is required.
E.g.: ''As he had been up since 4 a.m., he was now very tired.''
E.g.: ''Since I hadn't heard from you, I decided to give you a call.''
Hope that helps!!!
Should you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me. I shall be pleased to help.
December 1, 2018
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Ovtolevks
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Latin, Russian
Learning Language
Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, French, German
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