Does this sentence require a comma? I think not and the document I’m reviewing is plagued with similar examples.
Not required. Doesn’t help the sentence by itself. If the part ‘When the design matures’ is more related to some prior sentence than the rest of it then it may be helpful but I’d assume the sentences could be restructured in a better way.
When I’m posting here I write somewhat as if I were speaking, so I’ll have commas in places not required, but it is to mimic the timing pattern of my speech. It’s allowable in dialogue and narration.
My thoughts as well.
Subordinate clause**,** independent clause.
Since I am right, you are wrong.
The sentence is grammatically correct and would be awkward without the comma (unless restructured so the subordinate clause comes after the independent clause).
Require, no. Benefit from, I’m inclined to say “yes”.
Without the comma, the reader may get the initial impression that the first clause of the sentence is “When the design matures the xxxxx method” – something akin to “When the design matures the xxxxx method, it will be time to utilize it to extirpate the vizzinottles”. The comma makes it more obvious that the first clause is “when the design matures”.
But it isn’t necessary. It isn’t ungrammatical and it is easy enough to figure out the intended meaning, it isn’t left ambiguous for lack of comma.
I’m sorry, but you clearly don’t understand the use of commas. (Not surprising; a lot of people don’t.) The comma has two uses: (1) to introduce a slight pause (i.e., when reading aloud) and (2) to clarify the meaning.
AHunter3 is correct that the comma is not required but is desirable in this case. It certainly cannot be said that the comma is incorrect. The general rule is that an introductory clause is set off from the main part of the sentence by use of a comma. If I were editing the example in question, and it did not have a comma, I would very likely add one.
Can a design mature a method? Doesn’t seem necessary for clarity in the sentence by itself to me.
All I know is… just about… any comma usage is… much better… than putting a ton… of ellipsis… scattered… seemingly randomly… throughout the sentence… and ending with one instead of a period…
I have been trying to learn to write the past couple of years and it seems like they are so down on commas it forces me to restructure sentences so I can avoid them. I don’t consider myself overly liberal with commmas but according to some I would be. I find it much easier to read when they are strategicaly placed.
I see what you mean.
Guys, the comma is grammatically required.
When you insert an adverbial subordinate clause prior to an independent clause, you must use a comma to separate the two for clarity.
*Note the sentence above illustrates this exact example.
Please see the section titled Dependent Clause Before Independent Clause.
I have a very vague recollection – probably incorrect – that subordinate clauses that begin a sentence require a comma if they are more than 4 words long.
Anyone ever hear a rule about comma usage that is dependent on the number of words in the clause? I.e., did I totally dream this up, or is it based in some part on an actual guideline?
Comma usage can be very important. For example: “Let’s eat, grandma!” vs. “Let’s eat grandma!”
I think the comma is necessary because the phrase prior to it cannot stand on its own it’s a dependent clause. The rest of the sentence is an independent clause and could stand on its own as a sentence. If the dependent clause comes first, I think the rule is it gets separated by a comma, not necessary if it comes after the independent clause.
I struggle with comma usage but, I struggle even more with the “but and comma” part.
Did I do it correctly above?
Another vote for the comma being very useful in separating out the clause, if not entirely necessary. But I’m an Oxford Comma kinda guy.
I totally read this in a Captain Kirk voice in my head 
[wolfish grin]
I have that same vague recollection, now that you mention it. Also I remember being taught a much longer list of when commas are required than the one Flyer posted.
Nowadays I try to remember why I put commas where I put them, but mostly I just go by habit and what “looks right”.
The comma is absolutely required. It’s a garden path sentence without it. Every style guide I’ve read has demanded it.
No. The comma goes before the conjunction. Put it where the period would normally go.
“I struggle with comma usage, but I struggle even more…”
I like commas, but you knew that.