Grammar Question

[Xylitol]

I know that this is an elementary problem, but it seems like no other teacher before my current one cared about this "error."
My question is: Do you need a comma after a dependent clause if there is a subjunctive clause after it
ie) I ate, while the sun was coming up
I ate while the sun was coming up

Which is right?
(I thought that both were right but can anyone correct me?)
Thanks

 

[daveshel]

Technically, the comma should be there. If you invert the sentence it is clearer. :While the sun was coming up, I ate."

 

[Xylitol]

Originally posted by: daveshel
Technically, the comma should be there. If you invert the sentence it is clearer. :While the sun was coming up, I ate."

Yea - I know that you have to with the "inverted" style, but I needed to know about the example I gave.
I thought that I read somewhere that both methods are fine but the one with the comma is better

 

[daveshel]

Originally posted by: Xylitol

Originally posted by: daveshel
Technically, the comma should be there. If you invert the sentence it is clearer. :While the sun was coming up, I ate."

Yea - I know that you have to with the "inverted" style, but I needed to know about the example I gave.
I thought that I read somewhere that both methods are fine but the one with the comma is better

That's exactly right. The rules for commas are the most flexible of grammar rules: commas are frequently omitted where they appear unnecessary or interfere with the flow of the sentence. 'When in doubt, leave it out.'

 

[dullard]

Cut out the confusing clutter.

1) I ate, XYZ.
2) I ate XYZ.

In case #1, XYZ tells the reader something about your eating situation. In case #2, you physically put XYZ into your mouth and ate it. Only one of the two is logicial for any given situation.

The inverted writing avoids the confusion; however, I perfer that the inverted case be avoided at all costs. If the sentence was longer or more complex, then the reader would be lost in all the subjective clause poetry without ever knowing what they are reading about.

 

[bersl2]

If the dependent clause in a complex sentence follows the independent clause, you don't have to put the comma.

You don't have to put the comma if the dependent clause in a complex sentence follows the independent clause.