Commas before and/or after "because [closed]
Which is proper grammar:
He argues that there is no binding contract, because, at any given time...
He argues that there is no binding contract, because at any given time...
Thanks so much!
Proper use of language is a reflection of whether a reader will be helped or hindered by the style. All of the proposed solutions above are more or less acceptable -- I wouldn't touch your grade on any of them. Still, looking over earlier comments I would say that the point about parentheticals is a useful thought. One way to check whether a form is a parenthetical is by setting it off with parentheses or an em dash:
He argues that there is no binding contract (because[,] at any given time...)
He argues that there is no binding contract -- because[,] at any given time...
Sure, those read fine -- except that I'd ditch the following comma as unnecessary. It seems to slow down reading without adding any information. However, be aware that because here is a subordinating conjunction leading to a dependent clause ("at any given time..."). Conjunctions of all sorts need not be surrounded by commas. So you don't need to precede or follow because with a comma. And yet if one of the clauses is rather long, then you should consider putting a comma in, to give the reader a rest. In this case you can argue it as a rest or as the introduction to a parenthetical. Everyone wins.