Commas and Non-Essential Phrases in ACT English

The video tutorial explains the use of commas around non-essential phrases, a key topic for the ACT. It discusses how to identify non-essential information by testing if the sentence makes sense without it, considering if it can be enclosed in parentheses, and using a different tone to read it. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of recognizing non-essential information to improve grammar skills, especially for the ACT.

Why are commas around non-essential elements important for the ACT?

• They help in understanding the main idea of the sentence.

• They make sentences longer.

• They are a common topic tested in the ACT.

• They are used to separate clauses.

What is meant by a non-essential element in a sentence?

• An element that can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence.

• An element that always comes at the end of a sentence.

• An element that is always surrounded by commas.

• An element that is crucial for the sentence to make sense.

What should you do if you see a word surrounded by commas in a sentence?

• Ignore it.

• Read it to see if it sounds like good English.

• Remove the commas.

• Replace it with a different word.

What is the first test to check if a phrase is non-essential?

• Check if it is a noun.

• Check if it is at the beginning of the sentence.

• Check if it is an adjective.

• Check if the sentence still makes sense without it.

What does it mean if a sentence still makes sense after removing a phrase surrounded by commas?

• The phrase is non-essential.

• The phrase is a verb.

• The sentence is incorrect.

• The phrase is essential.

How can you use parentheses to test if a phrase is non-essential?

• Remove the phrase and see if the sentence is shorter.

• Replace the commas with parentheses and see if the sentence still makes sense.

• Move the phrase to the end of the sentence.

• Add more commas around the phrase.

What is another way to identify non-essential information in a sentence?

• Read the phrase in a different tone.

• Check if the phrase is at the end of the sentence.

• Underline the phrase.

• Count the number of words in the phrase.

What is a key characteristic of non-essential information?

• It is always an adjective.

• It is always a noun.

• It can be enclosed in parentheses.

• It is always at the beginning of the sentence.

Why is it important to recognize non-essential elements for the ACT?

• They are frequently tested.

• They are never surrounded by commas.

• They are always essential.

• They are always at the end of the sentence.

What should you do when you find a non-essential phrase in a sentence on the ACT?

• Remove it completely.

• Surround it with commas.

• Underline it.

• Move it to the beginning of the sentence.