A student is writing a research paper and needs to properly use a nonrestrictive clause to add extra, non-essential information. Which sentence correctly uses a nonrestrictive clause?
- AThe scientist who discovered penicillin revolutionized medicine.
- BThe book that I borrowed from the library is due tomorrow.
- CMy brother who lives in New York is visiting next week.
- DMount Everest which is the world's highest peak attracts many climbers.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Mount Everest which is the world's highest peak attracts many climbers.
A nonrestrictive clause provides additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and is set off by commas. Option C correctly uses commas to set off 'which is the world's highest peak', as the identity of Mount Everest is already clear without this clause. Options A, B, and D use restrictive clauses (essential information) which should not be set off by commas.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is a restrictive clause; 'who discovered penicillin' is essential to identify *which* scientist.
- B. This is a restrictive clause; 'that I borrowed from the library' is essential to identify *which* book.
- C. This is a restrictive clause if the speaker has multiple brothers. If only one brother, it would be nonrestrictive and require commas. Without context, it's typically read as restrictive.
Nonrestrictive Clauses
A nonrestrictive clause (also called a non-essential clause) provides additional, non-essential information about a noun. It is set off by commas and can be removed without changing the fundamental meaning or identification of the noun it modifies.
- Provides extra, 'nice-to-know' information.
- Always set off by commas (or dashes/parentheses).
- Can be removed without altering the sentence's core meaning.
- Often introduced by 'which' (for things) or 'who' (for people).
Memory trick: Restrictive is essential like a puzzle piece; nonrestrictive is extra like a gift bow.