DLA’s 19, 23-25 Commas in Non/Restrictive Clauses/Phrases

Front

What is a nonrestrictive clause?

Back

A nonrestrictive clause provides additional information that can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. It is usually set off by commas.

Front

What is a restrictive clause?

Back

A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of a sentence and cannot be removed without altering the sentence's meaning. It is not set off by commas.

Front

When should commas be used with nonrestrictive clauses?

Back

Commas should be used before and after nonrestrictive clauses to indicate that the information is additional and not essential.

Front

When should commas NOT be used with restrictive clauses?

Back

Commas should not be used with restrictive clauses because they are essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Front

What does 'nonessential' mean in grammar?

Back

Nonessential refers to information that is not necessary for the sentence's meaning and can be removed without altering the overall message.

Front

What does 'essential' mean in grammar?

Back

Essential refers to information that is necessary for the sentence's meaning and cannot be omitted without changing the sentence's meaning.

Front

Provide an example of a nonrestrictive clause in a sentence.

Back

The book, which was published last year, has become a bestseller.

Front

Provide an example of a restrictive clause in a sentence.

Back

The book that was published last year has become a bestseller.

Front

What punctuation is used to separate items in a list?

Back

Commas are used to separate items in a list.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in sentences?

Back

Commas are used to clarify meaning, separate ideas, and indicate pauses in sentences.