Commas between main clause and dependent clause
| Author | Message |
JQPublic
Posts: 1764
|
 Posted: 08:09AM Apr 25, 2012 |
|
In a quiz, a QM has told me to insert a comma before the 'as' clause of three questions. Here is an example:
It may be referring to the fact that it is dangerous to skate on a lake covered with thin ice as the ice may break easily.
The first two times, I argued that only the coordinating conjunctions may take commas and subordinating conjunctions must never take a comma. This time, the QM replied with this link.
I don't believe the consequential clause to be a non-essential part of the sentence, but on the same site I found this page.
If you scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page, there's a rule #15, which says subordinate clauses can only be followed by a comma if it's expressing strong contrast.
'Don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast).'
Therefore, I must insist that there ought not to be any comma before the 'as', and I hope that this matter will be resolved soon. Thank you. 
'An idea, like a ghost, must be spoken to a little before it will explain itself.' - Charles Dickens |
| Back to Top |
View Profile
Send PM
Visit Wiki
|
tedger 
Posts: 2462
|
|
Posted: 08:05PM Apr 25, 2012 |
|
The clause is non-essential because the sentence makes sense without it. A non-essential clause simply adds additional qualifying information (not needed to maintain the overall meaning). It is clear to simply say "It may be referring to the fact that it is dangerous to skate on a lake covered with thin ice." You can also move it around in the sentence without changing the meaning: "It may be referring to the fact that, as the ice may break easily, it is dangerous to skate on a lake covered with thin ice." "It may be referring to the fact that it is dangerous, as the ice may break easily, to skate on a lake covered with thin ice."
If you'd like further examples of comma uses before a dependent clause, you can see this page or the bottom of this page. More information on essential verses non-essential clauses can be found here and here.
"Art is never finished, only abandoned." -Leonardo da Vinci |
| Back to Top |
View Profile
Send PM
|
JQPublic
Posts: 1764
|
|
Posted: 07:01AM Apr 29, 2012 |
|
OK, I'll reword, but I insist that there should be no comma. Maybe this can be discussed later in the debate forum (so please check it out if a topic is started on that.  )
---This message was edited on 07:02AM Apr 29, 2012---
'An idea, like a ghost, must be spoken to a little before it will explain itself.' - Charles Dickens |
| Back to Top |
View Profile
Send PM
Visit Wiki
|
 | |
|
Access Restricted
