When don't I use a comma before "because"?

[Emogreen]

For example, in this sentence "Jozef didn't see the ball, because the sun was in his eyes."

Is the comma really needed here?

How do I know when I don't need a comma? Thanks!!

[Alan]

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Hi,

The comma is used to indicate a short pause in writing. You wouldn't use it in the sentence you have quoted. If you changed it the other way round, you would use a comma as I have just done. In other words if you start with a subordinate clause (secondary clause), the comma is used before the start of the main clause as in: Because the sun was in his eyes,Jozef didn't see the ball,

Alan
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[Emogreen]

Thank you so much Alan! That makes sense. :)