Does a comma go after an independent clause with a subordinate conjunction followed by another independent clause?
Example
The classes will be held unless the schedule has been changed.
I know one is needed if a dependent clause is first.
A comma is not needed here.
There is not universal agreement about comma usages. However, I'm of the school that says, "If in doubt, leave it out."
Ms. Sue is right. There is no comma needed in your sentence.
Here's a well written webpage explaining the comma rules, with examples:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm
Be sure you check them all out!
No, you do not need a comma after an independent clause with a subordinate conjunction followed by another independent clause. In your example, "The classes will be held" is the independent clause and "unless the schedule has been changed" is the subordinate clause introduced by the conjunction "unless."
The general rule is that if a dependent clause comes before an independent clause, you should use a comma to separate them. However, if the independent clause comes before the dependent clause, as in your example, a comma is not necessary.
To determine whether a comma is needed, you can identify the main or independent clause and the dependent clause. If the dependent clause comes first, a comma is typically used. If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
In your example, "The classes will be held" is the independent clause, and "unless the schedule has been changed" is the dependent clause. Since the independent clause comes first, you do not need a comma.