GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageHard
A student is writing a research paper and needs to properly use a nonrestrictive clause. Which sentence correctly uses a nonrestrictive clause?
- AThe rule that was implemented last month improved efficiency.
- BStudents who study regularly tend to perform better on exams.
- CMy brother, who lives in California, is visiting next week.
- DThe book that I borrowed from the library is due tomorrow.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. My brother, who lives in California, is visiting next week.
A nonrestrictive clause provides additional, non-essential information about the noun it modifies and is set off by commas. Removing it does not change the essential meaning of the sentence. In option B, 'who lives in California' provides extra information about 'my brother', and the sentence still makes sense without it.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is a restrictive clause because 'that was implemented last month' is essential information to identify which rule improved efficiency. No commas are used.
- B. This is a restrictive clause because 'who study regularly' is essential information to identify which students perform better. No commas are used.
- D. This is a restrictive clause because 'that I borrowed from the library' is essential information to identify which book is due. No commas are used.
Nonrestrictive Clause
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 from the sentence without changing the fundamental meaning.
- Provides non-essential information.
- Set off by commas.
- Can be removed without changing core meaning.
- Often uses 'who', 'which', 'whose'.
Memory trick: Restrictive clauses are glued to the noun; nonrestrictive clauses are just visiting, set apart by commas.