| The Facts | ||
| #1 | What is a non-essential clause? |
A non-essential clause is a part of a sentence that is not necessary to make a thought complete; it's "decorative rather than defining." |
| #2 | True or False: A non-essential clause should be enclosed by commas? |
True. |
| #3 | What is an essential clause? |
An essential clause is a part of the sentence that is necessary to maintain the overall message/meaning of the sentence. |
| #4 | True or False: An essential clause should be enclosed in commas? |
False! An essential clause needs no commas because it should be read with its subject. |
| #5 | Which type of clause is usually used after a proper noun (Sarah, Eiffel Tower, Dept of Agriculture? |
Non-essential |
| To Comma or Not to Comma? | ||
| #1 | The woman who sells silver jewelry is not here today. |
No commas! It is essential to the meaning of the sentence.
The woman who sells silver jewelry is not here today. |
| #2 | Jack who loves spaghetti refused to try lasagna. |
Commas! This is nonessential; it is not necessary to understand the meaning of the sentence. It's just an FYI.
Jack, who loves spaghetti, refused to try lasagna. |
| #3 | The book which is a Caudill had several holds on it. |
Commas! It is non-essential. It's just "decorating rather than defining."
The book, which is a Caudill, had several holds on it. |
| #4 | The dog that ran away has been found. |
No commas! It is essential. The reader needs to know "which [dog] of many" is found.
The dog that ran away has been found. |
| #5 | The local diner which has amazing chicken nuggets will be closing. |
Commas! The dependent clause is not necessary to understand the message.
The local diner, which has amazing chicken nuggets, will be closing. |
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| Final Question | |