{"id":19055,"date":"2022-07-19T17:06:58","date_gmt":"2022-07-19T17:06:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/?p=19055"},"modified":"2023-03-23T21:19:09","modified_gmt":"2023-03-23T21:19:09","slug":"comma-before-whenever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/comma-before-whenever\/","title":{"rendered":"Comma before “whenever” \u2014 Rules & Grammar"},"content":{"rendered":"

Knowing when and where to place commas is not an easy thing to do; it requires stylistic and grammatical knowledge. This is particularly true with the word “whenever.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Being an adverb and a conjunction at the same time, “whenever” is also naturally a tricky word to use, especially among many non-natives.<\/span><\/p>\n

So today, we cover the nitty-gritty of using a comma before “whenever” to make English learning easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s get right into it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When does a comma come before “whenever”?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A comma should come before “whenever” when it is used to introduce an interruptive idea or when it is used after another interruptive idea. A comma before “whenever” is also needed when it is used after an introductory expression as well as when it comes after a direct address.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma before “whenever”: Grammar and Context<\/b><\/h2>\n

“Whenever” is a combination of the words “when” and “ever.” It can be used either as an adverb or <\/span>conjunction<\/b><\/a> in sentence construction.<\/span><\/p>\n

As an adverb, “whenever” is used to emphasize our typical “when.” It is best used to suggest the meaning “no matter when” to introduce an afterthought or parenthetical expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

When “whenever” is used somewhere within the sentence to additionally introduce an interruptive phrase or clause, a comma is intentionally used before it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

We must remember that, <\/span><\/i>whenever<\/i><\/b> possible, we have to help others in need.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the sentence above, the adverbial phrase “whenever possible” actually modifies “to help.” However, as it is used as an interruptive thought, it has to be enclosed with commas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of the writing strategy done in the example sentence, readers get to understand that the intention of the writer is mainly to recommend rather than impose an action.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a conjunction, “whenever” is known to be a subordinating type of conjunction just like “because” and “if.” Whenever this is the intent, a comma should not come before it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Dory, a grammar purist, feels disgusted<\/span><\/i> whenever<\/i><\/b> she sees misplaced commas.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the sentence above, the clause “whenever she sees misplaced commas” is grammatically linked to the preceding clause, which is the main clause.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of the writing strategy used, readers get to understand that meaning of the whenever-clause is grammatically dependent on the main clause.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adding “ever” to wh-words like “when,” “where,” “which,” and “who” changes the typical meaning of these words.<\/span><\/p>\n

With this in mind, the newly formed words now contain the implied meaning of “it doesn’t matter,” “no matter,” or “regardless of.”<\/span><\/p>\n

These kinds of words are useful for increasing the emphasis or strength of our intended meaning. Since this is quite a complex process, we generally learn them later in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

As these words already require higher-order thinking skills, punctuating them appropriately is naturally a different ball game as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, the next couple of sections aims to simplify pre-comma-related rules to “whenever,” which are not necessarily set in stone, to make the English language less of a nuisance.<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span>Place a comma before “whenever” when…<\/b><\/h2>\n

Using commas correctly makes the written language more organized, meaningful, and of course, thought-provoking.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have ever wondered how and why you got to love a book so much in the past, one main reason behind it is how writers strategically use their commas.<\/span><\/p>\n

To have a glimpse of how commas work in general, our <\/span>comma cheat sheet<\/b><\/a> should provide some quick yet definitive tips for this topic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, let’s try to understand more about when to use a comma before “whenever” and stick to this concern alone. This should make punctuation tactics more chewable.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When “whenever” is used to introduce an interruptive idea<\/b><\/h3>\n

Interruptive thoughts or ideas are comments or opinions that are used to evoke some emotion in our speech or writing piece. These interruptions are also called parenthetical expressions.<\/span><\/p>\n

When we speak, we naturally use interruptive thoughts because of how rich our ideas can be. In other words, we can’t really be “too grammatically structured” when speaking.<\/span><\/p>\n

This happens because we do not have enough preparation time to express everything we want to convey in just one sitting – or speaking to be more precise.<\/span><\/p>\n

When we transform our speech into written texts, we also get prompted to use this strategy to make writing more creative.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because it is impossible to use facial expressions, tone of voice, and bodily gestures when writing, we replace these with punctuation marks instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

More particularly, commas mainly make all the above-mentioned things happen in the world of writing. Therefore, commas exist to make any writing piece more interesting.<\/span><\/p>\n

As mentioned earlier, a comma essentially comes before “whenever” when it is used to introduce an interruptive thought or idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s take a look at another example to make the explanation more visible.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Comma rules<\/a><\/strong> are not necessarily set in stone, so, <\/span><\/i>whenever <\/i><\/b>appropriate, we are also free to use commas creatively.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 
\nParenthetical expressions<\/b><\/a> are quite tricky to use in real life, but there is a simple life hack that we can use to make them easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

We can simply remove the parenthetical idea from our sentence. If the sentence still makes complete grammatical sense, then we are using it correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Comma rules are not necessarily set in stone, so we are also free to use commas creatively.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the new sentence above, though, the implied recommendatory or consultative feeling brought by “whenever appropriate” gets lost.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, it also tells us that the comma before “whenever” is correctly used because the new sentence still makes sense.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When “whenever” is used after another interruptive idea<\/b><\/h3>\n

Especially in creative writing contexts, using a series of interruptive or parenthetical ideas is as common as pig tracks.<\/span><\/p>\n

The reason behind this is, again, to imitate the way we use the spoken language, which also makes a lot of sense.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, it follows that a comma should also come before “whenever” whenever it appears after another interruptive idea within the same sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s an example to show the explanation:<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Now you know why<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>as if I haven’t told you before,<\/span><\/i> whenever<\/i><\/b> it rains, I think of him.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Note, though, that the kind of construction shown above is best reserved for creative rather than academic writing contexts.<\/span><\/p>\n

As commas are used to evoke some emotion or feeling in the reader, it is best to avoid them in any objective writing scenarios.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When “whenever” is used after an introductory expression<\/b><\/h3>\n

A comma before “whenever” is also necessary when an introductory phrase comes before it. These introductory phrases are mostly adverbs and conjunctions or a combination of both.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like parentheticals, introductory expressions also add meaning to our sentences. On top of that, they also make our sentences and paragraphs more coherent or logical.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, always place a comma before “whenever” every time it is used right after an introductory word or phrase without considering its part of speech.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Moreover, <\/span><\/i>whenever<\/i><\/b> you can, try to make sure you’re catching up with the lessons.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Note that this comma after an introductory word or phrase rule is also true with any other word out there besides “whenever.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When “whenever” is used after a direct address<\/b><\/p>\n

A direct address is also called referred to as the vocative case in language studies. Placing a <\/span>comma before or after a name or direct address<\/b><\/a> also has its own can of worms.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>comma before a vocative<\/b><\/a> expression should be carefully observed when considering grammatical correctness.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, in real-life written conversations with close-knit people, we normally lose the comma for convenience purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n

If we are to follow the standard punctuation rules for direct addresses, a comma should always come before, after, or even both before and after the direct address.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, when this happens with “whenever,” the same comma rule should also apply. Hence, a comma before “whenever” is necessary when a direct address comes before it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is it, Joe, <\/span><\/i>whenever<\/i><\/b> I say something, you always interrupt?<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Note that we need to use commas around the direct addressee “Joe” because the writer is “talking,” or more precisely writing, directly to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

The idea of using commas around a direct address is to distinguish it from the typical use of nouns in indicative sentences, such as this one:<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe<\/i><\/b> always interrupts whenever I say something.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do not place a comma before “whenever” when…<\/b><\/h2>\n

To make things crystal clear, let us also try to know when not to use a comma before “whenever.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The rules in this section should be easier to understand now that we have already covered the necessary comma guidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When “whenever” is used as a subordinating conjunction<\/b><\/h3>\n

In sentence construction, the rule of thumb is not to use a <\/span>comma before a subordinating clause<\/b><\/a> that comes mid-sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent or main clauses in a logical manner.<\/span><\/p>\n

This means that a subordinate or dependent clause cannot stand alone in a sentence. Their meaning grammatically depends on the main clause to make sense.<\/span><\/p>\n

This rule applies to all other <\/span>subordinating conjunctions<\/b><\/a> like “because,” “if,” “unless,” “since,” “although,” “lest,” “even though,” “in as much as,” “as soon as,” and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, leave out your comma when you intend to use “whenever” this way:<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Please call me <\/span><\/i>whenever<\/i><\/b> you can.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Note, though, that the comma rule changes when you decide to invert your sentence. In this structure, a comma should already come before the independent or main clause.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Whenever<\/i><\/b> you can, please call me.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The idea of using “whenever” as a subordinating conjunction is to suggest freer or less restricted action or idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a conjunction, “whenever” suggests the meaning “at any time” or “at your convenience,” which is useful when we want to be more polite with our requests or assertions.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When  “whenever” is used as a restrictive adverb<\/b><\/p>\n

Apart from being a conjunction, “whenever” can also be used as an adverb to suggest the meaning “at any time” or as a more emphatic version of “when.”<\/span><\/p>\n

When used restrictively, which means to specify the implied circumstances of an idea, no comma should come before “whenever.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s go on a trip together next month or <\/span><\/i>whenever<\/i><\/b>.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Also, no comma should come before “whenever” when it is restrictively used as a more intense or stronger version of “when.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Do you know <\/span><\/i>whenever <\/i><\/b>she might arrive?<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

In sum, the idea of using “whenever” as a restrictive adverb in sentence construction simply boils down to how we use adverbs in general.<\/span><\/p>\n

This means that for as long as an adverb is not used to introduce additional information for emphasis, no comma should come before it in sentence construction.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions on “Comma Before ‘Whenever’”<\/b><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

What does “whenever” mean?<\/b><\/h3>\n

“Whenever” generally suggests the meaning “at any time,” and it can also be used to suggest a more intense meaning than the typical “when” when asking questions. Also, “whenever” is generally used as a polite expression when we want to send someone a command or request.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Is “whenever” a conjunction or an adverb?<\/b><\/h3>\n

“Whenever” can be used either as a conjunction or an adverb in sentence construction. As a conjunction, it mainly means “at any time.” As an adverb, it is mainly used as a stronger or more emphatic version of “when” in questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do we need a comma before “when” in the middle of a sentence?<\/b><\/h3>\n

When used as a conjunction midsentence to connect a dependent clause to a preceding independent clause, a comma should not come before “when.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n

Using the word “whenever” is already tricky, let alone punctuating it correctly. Nevertheless, the rules for comma usage in English are pretty much universal.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, what we need to improve our writing skills are more practice and patience. As they say, the more we do, the more we can do.<\/span>
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