using a comma with an independent clause and a dependant clause

[wolfatthedoor]

I recently read that if a sentence has a dependent clause followed by an independent clause, then it needs a comma, but if the sentence starts with an independent clause and finished with a dependent, then it doesn't need a comma at all. is this true?

Although i didn't want to, I went to the store.

I went to the store although i didn't want to.



It appears to me that the second sentence still needs the comma to seperate the clauses. Am I incorrect?

[Maeve]

An adverbial clause which precedes a main clause, unless it is very short, is set off by a comma:

When you look at me like that, I know I've lost the argument.

BUT

Because you love me I try to understand.

The comma is usually omitted when the adverbial clause follows the main clause:

Charlie won the race although he wasn't feeling well.

The key words in these explanations are unless and usually.

The thing to remember is that the purpose of punctuation is to help the reader understand what has been written.

Use a comma where you feel it is necessary for clarity.

[DanielScocco]

Quite clear explanation. We could use a post about those tricky uses of the comma Maeve :) .

[K.Vee.Shanker.]

An adverbial clause which precedes a main clause, unless it is very short, is set off by a comma:

When you look at me like that, I know I've lost the argument.

BUT

Because you love me I try to understand.

The comma is usually omitted when the adverbial clause follows the main clause:

Charlie won the race although he wasn't feeling well.

The key words in these explanations are unless and usually.

The thing to remember is that the purpose of punctuation is to help the reader understand what has been written.

Use a comma where you feel it is necessary for clarity.

Hi Maeve,

That is nice. But, what about the sentences that have an independent clause followed by a dependent/ independent clause with a condition such as 'If' or 'Only'?

What is your advice for these sentences?

1)You can take the car only when\ If you have to.

2)You can take the car only when\ If you go on long trips

[Maeve]

What is your advice for these sentences?

1)You can take the car only when\ If you have to.

2)You can take the car only when\ If you go on long trips

You can take the car only when you have to.
You can take the car when you have to.
You can take the car only if you have to.
You can take the car only when you go on long trips.
You can take the car only if you go on long trips.

Maybe I haven't understood your question. I don't see a need for a comma in any of these sentences, with or without the "only."

[K.Vee.Shanker.]

What is your advice for these sentences?

1)You can take the car only when\ If you have to.

2)You can take the car only when\ If you go on long trips

You can take the car only when you have to.
You can take the car when you have to.
You can take the car only if you have to.
You can take the car only when you go on long trips.
You can take the car only if you go on long trips.

Maybe I haven't understood your question. I don't see a need for a comma in any of these sentences, with or without the "only."

Thanks Maeve,

You did answer my question. I was concerned about the usage of commas.