Punctuating Nonessentials

Essential clauses and phrases should be set off from the rest of the sentence by commas.

• True
• False

Read the following sentence and decide whether the phrase typed in green is essential or nonessential.
The football players on the field ran the ball and scored a touchdown.

• essential 
• nonessential

Read the following sentence and decide whether the phrase typed in green is essential or nonessential.
The city where we met is 100 miles away.

• essential
• nonessential

Read the following sentence and decide whether the phrase typed in green is essential or nonessential.
Jane who served the salad did not notice the bug nibbling on the leaf.

• essential
• nonessential

Read the following sentence and decide whether the phrase typed in green is essential or nonessential.
Lucy who needs an A on the final exam studied all night.

• essential
• nonessential

Which sentence contains correct comma placement?

• The Suez Canal which was completed in 1869 is 107 miles long.
• The Suez Canal, which was completed in 1869 is 107 miles long.
• The Suez Canal which was completed in 1869, is 107 miles long.
• The Suez Canal, which was completed in 1869, is 107 miles long.

Which sentence contains correct comma placement?

• All animals that have backbones are classified as vertebrates.
• All animals, that have backbones, are classified as vertebrates.
• All animals, that have backbones are classified as vertebrates.
• All animals that have backbones, are classified as vertebrates.

Which sentence contains correct comma placement?

• In  the city, drivers who use their horns unnecessarily are fined.
• In  the city, drivers, who use their horns unnecessarily are fined.
• In  the city, drivers who use their horns, unnecessarily are fined.
• In  the city, drivers, who use their horns unnecessarily, are fined.

Which sentence contains correct comma placement?

• Bristol Park which is near our home has a good swimming pool.
• Bristol Park, which is near our home has a good swimming pool.
• Bristol Park which is near our home, has a good swimming pool.
• Bristol Park, which is near our home, has a good swimming pool.

Which sentence contains correct comma placement?

• Gliders which are planes without engines can stay in the air for several hours.
• Gliders, which are planes without engines, can stay in the air for several hours.
• Gliders, which are planes without engines can stay in the air for several hours.
• Gliders which are planes without engines, can stay in the air for several hours.