When to Use a Comma Before "Because":
* When "because" introduces a dependent clause:
A dependent clause can't stand alone as a sentence. It needs an independent clause to make sense.
Example: "I went to the park, because it was a beautiful day."
* "I went to the park" is an independent clause.
* "because it was a beautiful day" is a dependent clause.
* When "because" acts as a conjunction:
A conjunction connects two clauses or phrases. In this case, "because" is usually followed by a complete thought.
Example: "The dog was happy, because he got a new chew toy."
When NOT to Use a Comma Before "Because":
* When "because" introduces a phrase:
Example: "I went to the park because of the sunshine."
* "because of the sunshine" is a phrase, not a clause.
In Summary:
Use a comma before "because" when it's introducing a dependent clause or acting as a conjunction.
It can be tricky, so if you're unsure, it's always a good idea to check your work or consult a grammar guide!