Commas in Essential vs. Nonessential Sentence Parts

This video tutorial covers the use of commas in essential and non-essential clauses, words, and phrases. It explains how essential clauses are crucial for the meaning of a sentence and do not require commas, while non-essential clauses add extra information and are set off by commas. The tutorial provides examples to illustrate these concepts and offers questions to help identify whether a sentence element is essential or non-essential.

What is the primary source for the rules on essential clauses discussed in the lesson?

• Purdue Comma Rules page

• Grammar Bites page

• Oxford Comma Guide

• APA Style Manual

Why do essential clauses not require commas?

• They are stylistic choices.

• They provide necessary information to identify the noun.

• They are optional in writing.

• They are always at the end of a sentence.

What is indicated by the absence of commas around an essential clause?

• It is a stylistic choice by the author.

• It is crucial for understanding the specific noun it describes.

• It introduces a new topic.

• It is likely an error in punctuation.

What makes a clause non-essential?

• It can be removed without losing the sentence's meaning.

• It is required for the sentence structure.

• It contains the main verb.

• It introduces a new topic.

In the example with 'Lean', why is the clause about the red hat considered non-essential?

• Because Lean is already specified.

• Because it is at the start of the sentence.

• Because it uses a proper noun.

• Because it contains a color description.

Which example shows a correct use of commas with a non-essential clause?

• The student who needs an A is studying hard.

• Javier, who served the salad, did not notice the caterpillar.

• Freddy hopes to return to the city, where he met a woman.

• The ancient Buick, which Mateline purchased, belches black smoke.

What is the purpose of setting off non-essential phrases with commas?

• To connect two independent clauses.

• To add extra information smoothly.

• To introduce a list.

• To correct grammatical errors.

Which phrase is an example of a non-essential element?

• 'on the other hand'

• 'because of this'

• 'in addition'

• 'therefore'

How can you determine if a sentence element is non-essential?

• If it contains a personal pronoun.

• If it is at the end of the sentence.

• If it can be moved without altering the sentence's meaning.

• If removing it changes the meaning of the sentence.

What should you do if a sentence element is non-essential?

• Remove it entirely.

• Underline it for emphasis.

• Set it off with commas.

• Highlight it with bold text.