Introduction
Understanding the right place and situation to use a comma in a sentence can be challenging, specifically when dealing with conjunctive adverbs and coordinating conjunctions, such as ‘both.’ One of the most queried issues is the use of comma before both. This guide aims to fill that knowledge gap with plenty of examples for easier comprehension.
When to Use a Comma Before ‘Both’
A comma is not usually used before ‘both’ when it begins a sentence or comes after a conjunction. However, a comma before both is used when it is part of the compound subject or object, and it separates two independent clauses in a sentence. In simpler terms, it is applied where ‘both’ is the beginning of the second independent clause in a compound sentence.
Examples of Comma Usage Before ‘Both’
Understanding when to use a comma before ‘both’ is easier with examples. Consider these sentences:
- Without a comma: “Both John and Mary were late for band practice.”
- With a comma: “John was upset, both because he was tired and because he was hungry.”
In the first example, the comma before both isn’t necessary as it begins the sentence after the conjunction. In the second example, a comma is required before ‘both’ because it introduces an independent clause in the sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions about ‘Comma Before Both’
Do you always put a comma before ‘both’?
No, a comma is not always needed before ‘both’. It depends mainly on the sentence structure and how ‘both’ is being used. A comma is used before ‘both’ when it separates two independent clauses in a sentence.
Can a comma go after ‘both’?
Yes, a comma can go after ‘both’, especially when ‘both’ begins a sentence that is a clause combining two sentences. For example: “Both, the teacher and student, were tired after the class.”
Summary
Mastering the use of the comma essentially means mastering clarity in communication, crucial in the learning process of any language, including English. Whether to use a comma before both essentially depends on whether ‘both’ introduces a new independent clause.
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