Do you always use a comma to connect a dependent and Independent clause, even if the dependent clause comes...

Question

Even if the dependent clause comes after the independent clause?

Answer 1

No.

In fact, dependent clauses often are NOT set off by commas.

Remember there are three kinds of dependent clauses: adverb clauses, noun clauses, and adjective or relative clauses--which may be restrictive or non-restrictive.

When the adverb clauses introduce the sentence (as this one does), they are set off with a comma.

But a dependent clause that is a restricive relative clause (like this one) is never set off by commas.

On the other hand, a non-restrictive relative clause, which is defined as a relative clause that adds information but does not "restrict" the meaning of the noun it modifies (like this one), is always set off by commas.

You should understand that a noun clause (like this one) is not set off by commas. As the direct object of the verb "understand," it is an essential part of the sentence.

Finally, you do not set off dependent adverb clauses when they are closely related to the main clause (like this one).

I hope you find this helpful even though it sounds a bit pedantic (one last dependent clause not requiring a comma, though probably you could use a comma with one like this, as I just did).

You see sometimes you may choose whether to use a comma or not, depending on whether you want the reader to think of the dependent clause as a critical part of the sentence, or simply added information, kind of an after thought.

So, I hope you find this information helpful even though it is a bit pedantic. (I want you to see the dependent clause as critical to the sense of the sentence.)

Or, I hope you find this information helpful, even though it is a bit pedantic. (I want you to think of the same clause as added information, kind of like an apologetic after-thought.)

Peace!