comma after introductory clause [conjunction]: If they terminate...,

[uktous]

Hi,

Background:
The sentence is found on a letter from a bank.

Question:
In my understanding, we should write a "comma" between contact and there.
Ie,
If customers terminate the contract, there are no guarantees, ....
If customers terminate the contract there are no guarantees, ....

Does the letter have a grammatical mistake(missing comma)?
Is the comma compulsary?


Sentence:
If customers terminate the contact there are no guarantees, but we aim to offer a fair return on their investments.

Thanks

 

[Valvs]

English punctuation is no exact science, and commas in many cases are optional. A comma can often be safely omitted if the sentence can be easily understood without it.

In your case, however, the comma is highly desirable. Most grammar books and style guides agree that when a subordinate clause precedes the main clause, the two should be separated by a comma.