How to know if a comma is needed before "what"

To correctly put the punctuation mark, you need to pay attention to the structure of the sentence, the part of speech to which the "what" belongs, and other conditions.

A comma is needed

1. When "what" is a union or union word and connectsparts of a complex sentence. For example: That evening Igor realized that he had lost the meaning of life.

2. In some cases, when "what" is part of a compound union. “Because”, “because”, “because of that”, “because of that” and others. They are more often included in the subordinate clause in full, that is, a punctuation mark is placed in front of the entire compound union, but there are also cases when parts are separated. A comma is neededPunctuation in constructs with compound subordinate unions, if:

• The main sentence should be distinguished logically. For example: All because you've been messing around all day.
• There is a particle "not" before the union. For example: I refused to go to the store, not because I had no time.
• There is an introductory word before the union,
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  adverb or a particle. For example: Gregory was polite only because he did not want to quarrel.

3. In combination "only and... what" in two cases. A comma is needed hereExpressions that are integral in meaning (paragraph 9), if:

• After “only” is the verb “to do” or “to know”, and after “what” is also a verb. For example: Cyril, you only do what you have fun.
• "What" connects the parts of a complex sentence. For example: Only news that summer has come.

No comma needed

1. When "what" is a union or union word in the following situations:

• If in a complex sentence there are two or more homogeneous clauses that are connectedPunctuation marks in a complex sentence with several subordinate clauses the union "and". Sentences can start with different conjunctions, but must respond to one question. For example: Kirill knew how to save on food and what to cook for breakfast.
• If the clause consists of only one union wordComma between the main and subordinate clauses of a complex sentence. For example: Asya bought something for a friend as a present, but does not say what.

2. When "what" is an interrogative pronoun. In this case, it indicates the subject of the conversation, but does not name it, but helps to ask a question. For example: So what to do now?

3. When “what” is a particle that helps to express emotions. For example: What a punishment! What did you do?

4. When “what” is part of a stable expression. "Just now", "no way", "if anything." For example: You won't believe it, but I just saw a deer. If anything, I'm not lying: here's a photo.

5. When “what” is part of a compound union.Comma placed in front of the whole union - in all cases except those listed above. For example: Olga learned to draw because she practiced a lot.