Question

michigan, for thirteen years.
dont use a comma....

1. dont use a comma if the dependent clause (aaawwubbis) comes second.

incorrect: the boy knocked on the door, while i was eating.
correct: the boy knocked on the door while i was eating.

1. dont automatically use a comma just because you see one of the fanboys.

incorrect: we sat down at the table, and began to talk.
correct: we sat down at the table and began to talk.
(in this case, and is connecting two verb phrases, not two complete sentences.)

1. dont use a comma to set off an essential phrase or clause.

ask yourself this question: if you were to take the phrase or clause out of the sentence, would the basic meaning of the sentence change? if the answer is yes, then the phrase or clause is essential.
incorrect: i recognized many of the students, who stood with me, in front of the school.
correct: i recognized many of the students who stood with me in front of the school.
your practice exercises
cross out unneeded commas.

1. i wont help you, if you dont want to learn.
2. joe went to the bathroom, and washed his hands.
3. many of the people, who attended the meeting, were relatives of autumns.

Explanation:

1. According to the rule "Don't use a comma if the dependent clause (AAAWUBBIS) comes second", in the sentence "I won't help you, if you don't want to learn", the dependent clause "if you don't want to learn" comes second, so the comma is unneeded.
2. Based on the rule "Don't automatically use a comma just because you see one of the FANBOYS", in the sentence "Joe went to the bathroom, and washed his hands", "and" is connecting two verb phrases (went to the bathroom and washed his hands) not two complete sentences, so the comma is unneeded.
3. Using the rule "Don't use a comma to set off an ESSENTIAL phrase or clause", in the sentence "Many of the people, who attended the meeting, were relatives of Autumn's", the clause "who attended the meeting" is essential to identify which people (it's not just any people, but those who attended the meeting), so the commas are unneeded.

Answer:

1. I won't help you if you don't want to learn.
2. Joe went to the bathroom and washed his hands.
3. Many of the people who attended the meeting were relatives of Autumn's.