Learn English – Do I need a comma before the verb in the following sentence

punctuation

The unusual depressive mood that Chisato had been experiencing
lately(,) prevented her from going to school.

Do I need that comma? Why or why not? Or maybe it's optional?

Best Answer

The unusual depressive mood that Chisato had been experiencing lately, prevented her from going to school.

No, you don't need to put a comma before the verb "prevented".

"that Chisato had been experiencing lately" is a relative defining clause. This clause gives essential information about Chisato who is being referred to. You don't use a comma before and after the relative defining clause.

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