Nonessential Clauses

I just finished reading Gary Soto’s story “The Jacket” which describes a painful time in his early life.

• Essential - no commas needed

• Non-essential - add commas around the highlighted part

We lived on Oxford Drive which is close to the airport.

• Essential - no commas needed

• Non-essential - add commas around the highlighted part

Buffalo Bill whose real name was William F. Cody was a famous frontier scout.

• Essential - no commas needed

• Non-essential - add commas around the highlighted part

Evan’s new job which is far more challenging than his previous job pays well and provides good benefits.

• Essential - no commas needed

• Non-essential - add commas around the highlighted part

The Titanic which was the largest vessel of its time generated an enormous amount of publicity about its maiden voyage.

• Essential - no commas needed

• Non-essential - add commas around the highlighted part

Many Scottish names begin with the prefix “Mac” which means “the son of.”

• Essential - no commas needed

• Non-essential - add commas around the highlighted part

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.

What type of comma usage is being used here? " Ms. Erkskine, noticing confusion, repeated the directions of the assignment for the class. "

• FANBOY

• Introductory Phrase  

• Nonessential Clause

• Essential Clause

What contains information which is not imperative to understand the topic of the sentence?

• Nonessential clause or phrase

• Essential clause of phrase 

True of False: Each nonessential clause or phrase can be left out without changing the main topic of the sentence.

• False 

• True