Punctuating Interrupters

Front

What is an interrupter in a sentence?

Back

An interrupter is a word, phrase, or clause that adds information to a sentence but can be removed without changing the sentence's essential meaning.

Front

What is a nonrestrictive clause?

Back

A nonrestrictive clause provides additional information about a noun but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. It is usually set off by commas.

Front

When should you use commas with interrupters?

Back

Commas should be used to set off interrupters from the rest of the sentence to indicate a pause and clarify meaning.

Front

Example of a sentence with an interrupter:

Back

My brother, a talented musician, plays the guitar.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in sentences?

Back

Commas are used to separate elements in a sentence, clarify meaning, and indicate pauses.

Front

Should there be a comma before 'which' in a nonrestrictive clause?

Back

Yes, a comma should precede 'which' in a nonrestrictive clause.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'The book that I borrowed is interesting.'

Back

The book, that I borrowed, is interesting.

Front

What is the difference between restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses?

Back

Restrictive clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence and are not set off by commas, while nonrestrictive clauses add extra information and are set off by commas.

Front

Identify the interrupter in this sentence: 'The cat, however, was not interested.'

Back

The interrupter is 'however'.

Front

Should you use commas with appositives?

Back

Yes, appositives that are nonrestrictive should be set off with commas.