Grammar Quiz: Nonessential vs Essential Clauses

What is the correct way to punctuate this sentence? 
The man who lost his wallet is on the phone. 

• The man, who lost his wallet, is on the phone. 

• The man who lost his wallet is on the phone. 

• The man-who lost his wallet-is on the phone. 

• The man who lost his wallet is, on the phone. 

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The man who lost his wallet is on the phone.' This sentence correctly uses a restrictive relative clause without unnecessary commas, maintaining clarity and grammatical accuracy.

What is the correct way to punctuate this sentence?
My oldest sister who lives in New York is interested in working on Wall Street.

• My oldest sister, who lives in New York is interested, in working on Wall Street.

• My oldest sister, who lives in New York, is interested in working on Wall Street.

• My oldest sister who lives, in New York, is interested in working on Wall Street.

• Myoldest sister who lives in New York is interested in working on Wall Street.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'My oldest sister, who lives in New York, is interested in working on Wall Street.' The commas set off the non-restrictive clause 'who lives in New York,' providing additional information about the sister.

I just finished reading Gary Soto’s story “The Jacket” which describes a painful time in his early life.

• Essential - no commas needed

• Non-essential - add commas around the highlighted part

Answer explanation

The highlighted part is non-essential information about the story. It can be removed without changing the main meaning of the sentence, so it should be set off with commas for clarity.

We need a girl who can speak with a Southern accent to play the part.

• Essential - no commas needed

• Non-essential - add commas around the highlighted part

Answer explanation

The phrase 'who can speak with a Southern accent' is essential to identify the specific girl needed for the role. Therefore, no commas are required, as it is crucial information that defines the subject.

Buffalo Bill whose real name was William F. Cody was a famous frontier scout.

• Essential - no commas needed

• Non-essential - add commas around the highlighted part

Answer explanation

The phrase 'whose real name was William F. Cody' is non-essential information that adds detail about Buffalo Bill. Therefore, it should be set off with commas to indicate that the sentence would still be complete without it.

Essential clauses and phrases should be set off from the rest of the sentence by commas.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Essential clauses are crucial to the meaning of a sentence and should not be set off by commas. Therefore, the statement is false.

What does the word NONESSENTIAL mean?

• it's not needed; it's extra

• it's needed sometimes

• it's absolutely needed

Answer explanation

The word NONESSENTIAL means something that is not needed and is extra. Therefore, the correct choice is 'it's not needed; it's extra', as it accurately reflects the definition of the term.

Type a sentence about nature using an essential clause.

Answer explanation

An essential clause provides necessary information to the sentence. For example, 'The forest that is full of life is my favorite place.' Here, 'that is full of life' is essential to understand which forest is being referred to.