Which answer below, using the subordinate conjunction "although" correctly combines and punctuates these two sentences:
The monarch butterfly flies 2,000 miles to the home of its ancestors. It has never been there before.
A. A monarch flies 2,000 miles to the home of its ancestors, although it has never been there before.
B. Although it has never been there before a monarch flies 2,000 miles to its ancestors.
C. Although, it has never been there before a monarch flies 2,000 miles to its ancestors.
Guidelines for Using Subordinate Conjunctions:
Using a subordinate conjunction creates a\} "dependent clause" that must be joined to an, Independent clause.
- Example: I went to the football game. I saw my' friends there.
- When I went to the football game, I saw my friends there.
Examples of Subordinate Conjunctions:
after, although, as, because, before, but that, even if, even though, how, if, in order that, lest, no matter, once, provided that, rather than, since, so that, supposing, though, till, unless, until, what, when, Whenever, where, whereas, wherever whether, while
Punctuating Dependent Clauses:
1. If a dependent clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, you need a comma after it.
- Example: I will finish eating. I will do my homework.
- After I finish eating, I will do my homework. (The dependent clause is at] the beginning of the sentence, followed by a comma. )
2. If a dependent clause comes at the end of a sentence, you generally do not need a comma.
- Example: I will finish eating. I will do my homework.
- I will do my homework after I finish eating. (The dependent clause is at the end of the sentence. No comma is needed before the dependent clause.)
3. Exception: If a dependent clause comes at the end of a sentence and expresses a contrast or a concession, you need a comma before the dependent clause.
- Example: Some people like soccer. Others prefer basketball.
- Some people like soccer, while others prefer basketball. (The sentence contrasts two things and the dependent clause is at the end of the sentence; a comma is needed)
- Example: He decided not to go. He said he would go with us.
- He decided not to go, even though he said he would go with us. (The sentence) is a concession which concedes some fact or supposition despite the assertion in the main clause. The dependent clause is at the end of the sentence; a comma is needed)
- Exceptions like these often include subordinate conjunctions like although, even though, though, whereas, and while (when) it means whereas).
