When a dependent clause comes before the independent clause, what punctuation is typical?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $25.99Unlock all

Prepare for the Honors English Semester Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Study with interactive questions that provide hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

When a dependent clause comes before the independent clause, what punctuation is typical?

Explanation:
When a dependent clause comes before the main clause, a comma after the introductory part is the standard signal to pause and separate the two parts. This helps readers see that the sentence isn’t finished until the independent clause begins. For example: “If the rain stops, we will start the game.” The introductory dependent clause “If the rain stops” comes first, and the comma after it shows the main idea is about what happens next. Using other punctuation like a semicolon or a dash isn’t the usual choice here, and leaving no punctuation can make the sentence harder to read.

When a dependent clause comes before the main clause, a comma after the introductory part is the standard signal to pause and separate the two parts. This helps readers see that the sentence isn’t finished until the independent clause begins. For example: “If the rain stops, we will start the game.” The introductory dependent clause “If the rain stops” comes first, and the comma after it shows the main idea is about what happens next. Using other punctuation like a semicolon or a dash isn’t the usual choice here, and leaving no punctuation can make the sentence harder to read.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy