Commas with interrupters or WS 285

Is the following underlined phrase or clause essential or nonessential?

The United States' unique mix of ideas and cultures, which comes from all over the world, has helped to make this nation diverse and interesting.

• essential

• nonessential

True or false.

A nonessential clause is set off by commas, meaning that the clause can be taken out of the sentences and the basic meaning of the sentence does not change.

• true

• false

Is the following underlined phrase or clause essential or nonessential?

The contributions made by immigrants have included inventions and business ideas.

• essential

• nonessential.

True or False

We do not put commas around an essential clause, because it is needed and can not be removed from the sentence.

• true

• false

One group that has contributed a great deal, is Hispanic Americans. What should be done to correct the sentence?

• add a comma after group

• delete the comma after deal

• no change is needed

• add a comma after Hispanic

Many Mexican Americans, answering the United States' call for migrant workers, arrived several decades ago. Is the underlined phrase or clause essential or nonessential?

• essential

• nonessential

Unions that later formed helped them earn better wages. Is the underlined phrase or clause essential or nonessential?

• essential

• nonessential

Studying diversity, which one can find in abundance in the United States is helpful in understanding sociological trends within a country. How would you correct the sentence?

• add a comma after understanding

• add a comma after United States

• no change is needed

• delete the comma after diversity

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who retired from professional basketball, holds several NBA records.

• add a comma after NBA

• delete the comma after Jabbar

• no change is needed

• delete the comma after basketball

Joshua eventually overcame his acrophobia which is the abnormal fear of being in high places. What should be done to correct the sentence?

• add a comma after acrophobia

• add a comma after overcame

• no change is needed

• add a comma after eventually