GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageMedium
A student is writing an essay about the importance of clear communication. Which sentence correctly uses a comma with a nonrestrictive clause?
- AThe old house, that stands on the hill, is haunted.
- BDr. Evans, a renowned historian, will give the keynote address.
- CMy sister who lives in Boston is visiting next week.
- DStudents who study diligently usually achieve high grades.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Dr. Evans, a renowned historian, will give the keynote address.
A nonrestrictive clause (or phrase) provides extra, non-essential information and is set off by commas. Option C correctly uses commas around 'a renowned historian' because this phrase gives additional information about Dr. Evans but is not essential to identify him.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This option incorrectly uses 'that' with a nonrestrictive clause; 'which' should be used, and the commas are correctly placed if it were 'which'.
- C. This is a restrictive clause ('who lives in Boston') because it's essential information to identify which sister, so no commas are needed.
- D. This is a restrictive clause ('who study diligently') because it's essential information to specify which students, so no commas are needed.
Nonrestrictive Clauses
A nonrestrictive clause (or phrase) provides additional, non-essential information about a noun or pronoun. It is set off by commas and can be removed without changing the fundamental meaning of the sentence.
- Adds extra information, not essential for identification.
- Always set off by commas.
- Often introduced by 'which' (for things) or 'who' (for people).
- Cannot use 'that' to introduce a nonrestrictive clause.
Memory trick: If you can delete it without losing the main meaning, it needs commas!