Parenthetical Elements

Front

What are parenthetical elements?

Back

Parenthetical elements are words, phrases, or clauses that provide additional information but can be removed without changing the main meaning of the sentence.

Front

What punctuation marks can be used to set off parenthetical elements?

Back

Parentheses, dashes, and commas can be used to set off parenthetical elements.

Front

What is a nonrestrictive element?

Back

A nonrestrictive element is additional information in a sentence that is not essential to its meaning and is usually set off by commas.

Front

Identify the nonrestrictive element in this sentence: 'My brother, who is a doctor, lives in New York.'

Back

who is a doctor

Front

Which punctuation is NOT used for parenthetical elements?

Back

Quotation marks are not used to set off parenthetical elements.

Front

Correctly punctuate this sentence: 'My dog Spot a dalmatian weighs nearly 60 pounds.'

Back

My dog Spot, a dalmatian, weighs nearly 60 pounds.

Front

What is the purpose of using parenthetical elements?

Back

To add extra information or clarification without interrupting the main flow of the sentence.

Front

Which of the following is a correct use of dashes? 'My sister- who has three children- loves to visit Disney World.'

Back

Incorrect. It should be 'My sister, who has three children, loves to visit Disney World.'

Front

What is the difference between restrictive and nonrestrictive elements?

Back

Restrictive elements are essential to the meaning of a sentence, while nonrestrictive elements provide extra information and can be removed.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with a parenthetical element.

Back

The book (which I borrowed from the library) was fascinating.