Using a Comma Before ‘Because’: Rules for Clear Writing

A comma is a punctuation mark that denotes a break between clauses within a sentence. Commas suggest a slight pause between clauses in a sentence which gives the reader a moment to breathe before finishing the rest of the sentence. In writing, commas also separate sentence clauses, denote extra information about a subject, and divide items into a series of words. Many writers use commas in incorrect places because they mistake the rhythmic rules of speaking for the proper rules or writing. Using commas correctly in your writing can clarify the meaning of a sentence and give your words a natural rhythm.

If you need to use a comma with the word “because” in a sentence, you will typically place the comma before “because” rather than after. The word “because” is a subordinating conjunction connecting a dependent clause (or subordinate clause) to an independent clause (or main clause) to make a complex sentence. Placing a subordinating conjunction (like “because,” which implies causation) between two independent clauses turns the second clause into a dependent clause.

Using a comma to connect a dependent and independent clause indicates that the information in the dependent clause is nonessential to the meaning of the sentence. In that sense, a comma before “because” serves a function similar to that of a parenthetical, em dashes, or an appositive aside. However, you will only need to use a comma with “because” if the comma helps you to clarify the meaning of the sentence. Writers should rely on clarity and common sense when they are making this call.

In most cases, you will not need to use a comma before “because.” Occasionally, using a comma before “because” can help you clarify the meaning or intent of an ambiguous sentence. The rules for using commas before the word “because” vary depending on whether you are expressing a positive or negative statement.

A sentence with a negative verb in the independent clause and a dependent clause that begins with “because” can have an unclear meaning. You can use a comma before “because” in a sentence like this if it helps you to clarify the meaning of the sentence. Here are some quick tips for using a comma before “because” in a sentence that involves a negative direct action.

1. 1. Isolate the negative statement. In the previous example, you can identify “I’m not going to New York” as the negative statement within the sentence, based on the word “not.” When using negative verbs, placing a comma before the word “because” can help indicate causation for the negative statement and prevent misreading.
2. 2. Establish the sentence’s meaning. Consider the following example sentence: “I’m not going to New York because the weather will be cold.” Before you decide whether or not to use a comma before “because” in the sample sentence, determine if the speaker in the first clause is going to New York. Placing a comma before “because” clarifies that, as a result of the weather being cold, the speaker is not going to New York. Without a comma before “because,” the sentence could indicate that the speaker may be going to New York for a reason other than the cold weather. In that case, the speaker would need an additional sentence or clause to clarify the reason they are going to New York.
3. 3. Add a comma or additional sentence. If your first sentence has an independent clause with a negative verb and your dependent clause begins with “because,” you may need to follow up with additional clarification. This can be an entirely new second sentence or a new independent clause preceded by a semicolon. For instance, you could say: “I’m not going to New York because the weather will be cold; I’m going to visit my sister.” On the other hand, use a comma before “because” in the sentence if the cold weather is causing the speaker to avoid New York. In that case, the sentence would look like this: “I’m not going to New York, because the weather will be cold.”

You rarely need to use a comma before “because” in a sentence that begins with a positive verb. In general, you can use a comma before “because” in a complex sentence if the information in the dependent clause is not essential to understanding the meaning of the sentence.

Placing a comma before “because” in this sentence does not change the statement’s meaning: “I looked up the finale spoilers because I was too scared to finish watching the show.” The dependent clause, “because I was too scared to finish watching the show,” emphasizes the action in the initial, independent clause.

You can place a comma before “because” to add clarity, slow the rhythm, or emphasize the initial clause, but these instances of comma usage are nonessential. As long as you have included the essential information at the end of the sentence with positive verbs, you do not need to precede “because” with a comma.

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