Korean Job Discussion Forums

[raewon]

I have another question about the "correct" usage of the comma - this time before "because" and "for".

Here are the sentences in question:

(1) I was late for the meeting, because my car broke down.
(2) I was late for the meeting because my car broke down.

(3) The store is closed, because today is a holiday.
(4) The store is closed, for today is a holiday.

In (1) and (2) I don't think there is any difference in meaning, making me wonder whether or not it is correct to use the comma. Are both acceptable, or is (2) the only one that is OK?

I wonder whether or not (3) and (4) are correct with the commas.

I found this from the Chicago Manuel of Style:

[dharma bum]

this may not be correct, but here's my take on things. the comma is used in this situation to set off a clause that is not essential, so with sentences like these (i.e., those that are not negative), the appropriateness of the comma depends on what your main point is.

(1) I was late for the meeting, because my car broke down.
(2) I was late for the meeting because my car broke down.

with these two examples, if you are speaking with the intention of making the reason you were late (more or less) equal in importance to the fact that you were late, you might want to use #2. if, on the other hand, your main purpose is to communicate the fact that you were late and the second clause is just (secondary) detail, you might want to use #1.

for the second set of examples, i think #1 could go either way comma-wise depending, once again, on your intention. for #2, i would always include the comma just because i think the use of "for" indicates a movement to the discussion of secondary information.

[Mr. Pink]

I looked this up as my students always do ,because and it drives me nuts.

You use a comma before because only if the reason you are giving isn't linked to the first part. For almost every sentence your student will use, they should not be using ,because.

[raewon]

Thanks for the replies.

Mr. Pink - can I ask what you looked it up in? I'm not questioning your response - if it was in a book that I don't have I will think about getting it.
Thanks.

[The Cosmic Hum]

[Mr. Pink]

[bobbybigfoot]

DO NOT use commas with because UNLESS "because" is starting the sentence (as a clause).

Because my car broke down, I was late for the meeting. = OK

I was late for the meeting, because my car broke down. = WRONG

[reactionary]

[The Cosmic Hum]

[The Cosmic Hum]

Raewon,

In "The Grammar Book"....they do touch on this subject.
It only mentions what has been mentioned already in this thread, so not worth buying just for that point.
However, it is a great book.
I highly recommend it as a useful resource manual.

[Hyeon Een]

Number 4 is great...

If you're taking a 'history of grammar' class.

"for" is so rarely used that way it's not worth teaching, except when explaining 'literature'.

[jugbandjames]

The rule for comma usage with subordinate clauses is that if the subordinate clause precedes the main clause, then it is followed by a comma. If it comes after the main clause, then it is only set off by a comma if it is non-essential. This most usually applies to relative clauses.