Lenihan Parenthetical Elements

Front

What is a nonrestrictive element in a sentence?

Back

A nonrestrictive element is a part of a sentence that adds extra information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. It is usually set off by commas.

Front

What is a parenthetical element?

Back

A parenthetical element is a word, phrase, or clause that is inserted into a sentence as an explanation or afterthought. It can be removed without changing the overall meaning of the sentence.

Front

What punctuation is used to set off nonrestrictive elements?

Back

Commas are used to set off nonrestrictive elements in a sentence.

Front

What is the difference between a restrictive and nonrestrictive element?

Back

A restrictive element is essential to the meaning of a sentence, while a nonrestrictive element adds extra information and can be removed without altering the sentence's meaning.

Front

What are parentheses used for in writing?

Back

Parentheses are used to enclose additional information or clarifications that are not essential to the main point of the sentence.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with a nonrestrictive element.

Back

My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us this weekend.

Front

What is an appositive?

Back

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or provides additional information about another noun next to it.

Front

How do you punctuate an appositive?

Back

An appositive is usually set off by commas if it is nonrestrictive.

Front

What is the correct punctuation for a range of dates?

Back

Parentheses are used to set off a range of dates.

Front

Identify the nonrestrictive element in this sentence: 'The book, which was published last year, is a bestseller.'

Back

The nonrestrictive element is 'which was published last year'.