Which sentence illustrates correct usage of commas in a complex sentence?

Which sentence illustrates correct usage of commas in a complex sentence?

• A. After dinner we played games
• B. She said she would call me when she arrives
• C. Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk
• D. Taste the soup, add salt if necessary

Answer: (C)

The selected sentence is correct because it appropriately uses a comma to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause in a complex sentence. In this case, "Although it was raining" serves as the dependent clause, providing a condition under which the action in the independent clause, "we decided to go for a walk," takes place. The comma before the independent clause enhances clarity by signaling the transition between the two ideas. The other options lack the necessary comma usage for their grammatical structures. For instance, the first option presents a straightforward statement that does not require any commas, as there is no dependent clause. Similarly, the second option contains a simple relation between clauses without the need for a comma, as the sequence does not create any confusion. The final option presents a more complex structure with two independent clauses and would be more effective with a coordinating conjunction rather than just a comma. Thus, option C is the only one that illustrates the correct use of commas in a complex sentence.

The selected sentence is correct because it appropriately uses a comma to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause in a complex sentence. In this case, "Although it was raining" serves as the dependent clause, providing a condition under which the action in the independent clause, "we decided to go for a walk," takes place. The comma before the independent clause enhances clarity by signaling the transition between the two ideas.

The other options lack the necessary comma usage for their grammatical structures. For instance, the first option presents a straightforward statement that does not require any commas, as there is no dependent clause. Similarly, the second option contains a simple relation between clauses without the need for a comma, as the sequence does not create any confusion. The final option presents a more complex structure with two independent clauses and would be more effective with a coordinating conjunction rather than just a comma. Thus, option C is the only one that illustrates the correct use of commas in a complex sentence.