Question

Which use of the comma is correct in the following complex sentences? Choose the correct option which best describes your answer.


Because the dog was asleep on the floor, the cat chased the mouse.


Both B and C are correct.


The cat chased the mouse because the dog was asleep on the floor.


Only A is correct.


Only B is correct.

Answer 1

Both are correct.

Rule: when a subordinate (adverbial) clause comes first, put a comma after it:
- Because the dog was asleep on the floor, the cat chased the mouse.

When the subordinate clause follows the main clause, no comma is normally needed:
- The cat chased the mouse because the dog was asleep on the floor.

(You would only add a comma before "because" in special cases of contrast or to mark a nonessential comment.)