Examples

In each of the following examples, is a comma necessary to set off the because clause?

1. Many ex-smokers become irritable at home and (work, because/work because) they have given up cigarettes.

   The because clause follows the main clause, so no comma is needed.

2. Because they still crave (cigarettes, some/cigarettes some) ex-smokers eat instead.

   The because clause comes before the main clause, so a comma is needed.

3. It is not unusual for people to gain five or ten (pounds, because/pounds because) they have quit smoking.

   The because clause follows the main clause, so no comma is needed to set off the because clause.

4. Because smoking carries much greater health (risk, smokers/risk smokers) should not let a modest weight gain prevent them from trying to stop smoking.

   The because clause comes before the main clause, so a comma is needed before smokers.

5. Still, a recently reformed smoker can be hard to live (with, because/with because) trying to break the habit is both physically and psychologically stressful.

   No comma is needed since the because clause follows the main clause.