Commas in Sentences

The video tutorial explains the difference between restrictive and nonrestrictive elements in sentences. Restrictive elements are essential to the sentence's meaning and do not use commas, while nonrestrictive elements add extra information and are set off by commas, dashes, or parentheses. Parenthetical elements, a type of nonrestrictive element, are side remarks that can be omitted without altering the sentence's meaning. The tutorial focuses on using commas to separate nonrestrictive elements and provides examples and practice exercises to reinforce learning.

What is a key characteristic of a restrictive element in a sentence?

• It is essential to the sentence's meaning.

• It can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning.

• It is always enclosed in parentheses.

• It is always set off by commas.

Which of the following is an example of a parenthetical element?

• The cat that sat on the mat was fluffy.

• The cat sat on the mat, by the way.

• The cat sat on the mat.

• The cat, which was very fluffy, sat on the mat.

What punctuation mark is used for the lowest degree of interruption in a sentence?

• Comma

• Parentheses

• Semicolon

• Dash

In the sentence 'Although very small creatures, ants perform many duties for their colony,' what role does the phrase 'Although very small creatures' play?

• It is a restrictive element.

• It is a parenthetical element.

• It is a nonrestrictive element.

• It is the main clause.

Which sentence correctly uses commas to set off a nonrestrictive element?

• The car that is red is mine.

• The car, that is red, is mine.

• The car, which is red, is mine.

• The car which is red is mine.

In the sentence 'Maggie, I believe, is a good friend,' what is the function of 'I believe'?

• It is a nonrestrictive element.

• It is a restrictive element.

• It is a parenthetical element.

• It is the main clause.

Which of the following sentences contains a nonrestrictive element?

• The book which you lent me was fascinating.

• The book that you lent me was fascinating.

• The book you lent me was fascinating.

• The book, which you lent me, was fascinating.