Question

Select the correctly punctuated sentence. 1.The dark clouds, will lighten, as the sun lowers. 2.The dark clouds will lighten as the sun lowers. 3.The dark clouds will lighten, as the sun lowers.

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is 2.

Explanation:

In sentence number 1, you never write a comma to separate the subject and predicate in a sentence.

Sentence number 2 is correct. The main clause is The dark clouds will lighten and the adverb clause is as the sun lowers. When the adverb clause comes after the main clause you don't need a comma in between.

Sentence number 3 is incorrect because, again, the adverb clause finishes the sentence.  There's no need for a comma.

   

Note that all adverb clauses are subordinate clauses. They cannot stand on their own and must be attached to an independent clause.

When two things happen at the same time we can also use words like as and just as. They are both commonly used adverb clauses with time.  When an adverb clause begins the sentence, use a comma to separate the two clauses.  When the adverb finishes the sentence, there is no need for a comma.

"He was shot in the back as he tried to escape."

"The phone rang just as we were leaving."

       

Answer 2

Answer:

2.The dark clouds will lighten as the sun lowers.

Explanation:

This is the sentence that is correctly punctuated. The sentence is short so it does not need any comma before the adverbial clause of time: "...as the sun...." Besides,  there must not be a comma between the subject : "The dark.... "and the predicate :.".. will lighten.... ".