Nonessential and Essential Clauses

Front

What is a nonessential clause?

Back

A nonessential clause is a part of a sentence that provides additional information but is not necessary for the sentence's overall meaning. It is usually set off by commas.

Front

What is an essential clause?

Back

An essential clause is a part of a sentence that is crucial for understanding the meaning of the sentence. It does not require commas.

Front

How do you identify a nonessential clause in a sentence?

Back

A nonessential clause can often be identified by its use of commas, indicating that the information it provides is supplementary.

Front

What is the correct comma placement for the sentence: 'The book that I borrowed was fascinating.'?

Back

No commas are needed because 'that I borrowed' is an essential clause.

Front

What is the correct comma placement for the sentence: 'The book, which I borrowed last week, was fascinating.'?

Back

Commas are placed before and after 'which I borrowed last week' because it is a nonessential clause.

Front

What is the function of commas in nonessential clauses?

Back

Commas are used to separate nonessential clauses from the main clause to indicate that the information is additional and not critical.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with an essential clause.

Back

The car that is parked outside is mine.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with a nonessential clause.

Back

My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.

Front

What is the impact of removing a nonessential clause from a sentence?

Back

Removing a nonessential clause does not change the fundamental meaning of the sentence.

Front

What is the impact of removing an essential clause from a sentence?

Back

Removing an essential clause changes the meaning of the sentence and may lead to confusion.