How to Improve Comma Usage with Adverbial Clauses in AP English Essays

Question

Hey everyone! 👋 I'm struggling with commas in my AP English essays, especially with adverbial clauses. 😩 Any tips on how to use them correctly? It's driving me crazy!

scott_hernandez · Accepted Answer

📚 Understanding Adverbial Clauses and Commas

Adverbial clauses are dependent clauses that modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. They provide information about when, where, why, how, how much, or under what condition something happens. The use of commas with adverbial clauses depends on whether the clause comes before or after the main clause.

📜 A Brief History of Comma Usage

The use of commas has evolved over time, with early punctuation systems being less standardized. The modern comma, as we know it, gained prominence with the development of printing and the need for clearer written communication. Grammarians have since established guidelines for comma usage, including those related to adverbial clauses.

🔑 Key Principles for Comma Usage with Adverbial Clauses

📍 Initial Adverbial Clauses: When an adverbial clause comes before the main clause, it is generally followed by a comma.
✏️ Terminal Adverbial Clauses: When an adverbial clause comes after the main clause, a comma is usually not needed unless the clause introduces a contrast or nonessential information.
⚖️ Essential vs. Nonessential Clauses: Use commas to set off nonessential adverbial clauses (those that provide extra information but are not crucial to the sentence's meaning). Do not use commas with essential clauses (those that are necessary for the sentence's meaning).

✍️ Real-World Examples

Let's look at some examples to illustrate these principles:

Example	Explanation
Before she left for school, she ate breakfast.	Comma needed because the adverbial clause comes before the main clause.
She ate breakfast before she left for school.	No comma needed because the adverbial clause comes after the main clause and is essential to the sentence's meaning.
He went to the store, even though it was raining.	Comma needed because the adverbial clause introduces a contrast.
The dog barked because it was hungry.	No comma needed because the adverbial clause explains why the dog barked and is essential.

💡 Tips and Tricks

🧐 Read the Sentence Aloud: If you naturally pause where the comma would go, it's likely needed.
✂️ Remove the Clause: If removing the adverbial clause doesn't significantly change the meaning of the sentence, it's likely nonessential and needs commas.
📝 Consider the Meaning: Ask yourself if the adverbial clause is essential to understanding the main point of the sentence.

✅ Practice Quiz

Identify whether a comma is needed in the following sentences:

Because it was late he decided to go home.
He decided to go home because it was late.
Although she was tired she finished her work.
She finished her work although she was tired.
If you study hard you will succeed.
You will succeed if you study hard.
Since he arrived early he got a good seat.

🔑 Answer Key

Comma needed: Because it was late, he decided to go home.
No comma needed: He decided to go home because it was late.
Comma needed: Although she was tired, she finished her work.
No comma needed: She finished her work although she was tired.
Comma needed: If you study hard, you will succeed.
No comma needed: You will succeed if you study hard.
Comma needed: Since he arrived early, he got a good seat.

🎯 Conclusion

Mastering comma usage with adverbial clauses is essential for clear and effective writing, especially in AP English essays. By understanding the principles outlined above and practicing consistently, you can improve your writing skills and communicate your ideas more effectively.