Question

When a subordinate clause is followed by the main clause, ______ is required.

• A. Dash
• B. Semi-colon
• C. Comma
• D. Colon

Hint:

If the subordinate clause follows the main clause, a comma is usually not needed.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

When a subordinate clause comes before the main clause, a comma separates them. E.g., "Although it was raining, we went out." \[ \Rightarrow \boxed{\text{Comma}} \]

Answer 2

Testing this with a fresh example makes the rule clear: take "Because he was late, the meeting started without him." The subordinate clause ("Because he was late") comes first, and the main clause ("the meeting started without him") follows.

1. Option 1 (Dash): A dash is used for emphasis or an abrupt aside, not for this standard clause-joining job.
2. Option 2 (Semi-colon): Reserved for joining two independent clauses of equal weight, not a subordinate clause to a main one.
3. Option 3 (Comma): In the example above, exactly a comma sits between "late" and "the," separating the introductory subordinate clause from the main clause.
4. Option 4 (Colon): Introduces a list, explanation, or elaboration, not a clause relationship like this.

The pause between a leading subordinate clause and the main clause that follows it is punctuated with a comma.

Hence, the correct answer is Comma.