Commas with Nonessential Elements

Front

What is a nonessential element in a sentence?

Back

A nonessential element provides additional information but can be removed without changing the main meaning of the sentence.

Front

What is a nonrestrictive clause?

Back

A nonrestrictive clause adds extra information to a sentence and is set off by commas.

Front

How do you identify a nonessential element?

Back

Look for information that can be removed without altering the core meaning of the sentence.

Front

What punctuation is used to set off nonessential elements?

Back

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

Front

Example of a sentence with a nonessential element: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.' What is the nonessential element?

Back

'who lives in New York' is the nonessential element.

Front

What is the difference between essential and nonessential information?

Back

Essential information is crucial for understanding the sentence, while nonessential information adds detail but is not necessary.

Front

Rewrite this sentence with correct commas: 'The book that I borrowed from the library is interesting.'

Back

'The book, that I borrowed from the library, is interesting.'

Front

What is a parenthetical element?

Back

A parenthetical element is a phrase that adds information but is not essential to the main point of the sentence.

Front

How do you punctuate a parenthetical element?

Back

Use commas before and after the parenthetical element.

Front

Identify the nonrestrictive clause in this sentence: 'The car, which is red, belongs to my sister.'

Back

'which is red' is the nonrestrictive clause.