Commas with Descriptive Phrases & Clauses

Front

What is a relative clause?

Back

A relative clause is a dependent clause that modifies a noun and usually begins with a relative pronoun such as 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' For example, in the sentence 'The book that I borrowed was interesting,' 'that I borrowed' is a relative clause.

Front

Identify the function of an appositive phrase.

Back

An appositive phrase renames or provides additional information about a noun. For example, in 'My brother, a skilled musician, plays the guitar,' 'a skilled musician' is an appositive phrase that gives more information about 'my brother.'

Front

What is a participial phrase?

Back

A participial phrase includes a participle and any modifiers or complements. It acts as an adjective to provide more information about a noun. For example, 'Running quickly, the dog chased the ball' contains the participial phrase 'Running quickly.'

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a relative clause?

Back

A relative clause is usually set off by commas if it is non-restrictive (providing extra information). For example, 'My sister, who lives in New York, is visiting.' If it is restrictive (essential to the meaning), no commas are used: 'The book that you lent me is great.'

Front

What is the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses?

Back

Restrictive clauses provide essential information about the noun they modify and are not set off by commas. Non-restrictive clauses add extra information and are set off by commas.

Front

What is an example of an appositive phrase?

Back

An example of an appositive phrase is 'My friend, an avid reader, finished the book in one day.' Here, 'an avid reader' renames 'my friend.'

Front

How do you identify a participial phrase in a sentence?

Back

To identify a participial phrase, look for a verb form ending in -ing or -ed that acts as an adjective. For example, in 'The dog barking loudly is mine,' 'barking loudly' is the participial phrase.

Front

What role do commas play with descriptive phrases?

Back

Commas are used to separate descriptive phrases from the main clause, especially when the phrase is non-essential. For example, 'The car, which was red, sped by.'

Front

What is the purpose of using descriptive clauses in writing?

Back

Descriptive clauses add detail and depth to writing, helping to clarify or enhance the meaning of a sentence.

Front

What is an example of a sentence with a relative clause?

Back

An example is 'The teacher who inspired me is retiring.' Here, 'who inspired me' is the relative clause.