Nonessential and Essential Clauses

Front

What is an essential clause?

Back

An essential clause (or restrictive clause) provides information that is necessary to understand the meaning of the sentence. It is not set off by commas.

Front

What is a nonessential clause?

Back

A nonessential clause (or non-restrictive clause) adds extra information to a sentence but is not necessary for its meaning. It is set off by commas.

Front

What is the purpose of commas in introductory phrases?

Back

Commas are used after introductory phrases to separate them from the main clause, clarifying the sentence structure.

Front

What are FANBOYS?

Back

FANBOYS is an acronym for the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. They are used to connect clauses, phrases, and words.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with an essential clause?

Back

An essential clause should not be set off by commas, as it is crucial to the meaning of the sentence.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a nonessential clause?

Back

A nonessential clause should be set off by commas, as it provides additional, non-crucial information.

Front

What is the function of commas in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list to clarify the individual elements.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction.

Front

When should you use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A comma should be used before a coordinating conjunction when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is an introductory phrase?

Back

An introductory phrase is a group of words that provides context or background information for the main clause of a sentence.