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Understanding Nonessential Clauses: The Use of Commas Explained

This guide explains the Rule of using commas to set off nonessential clauses and phrases in sentences. Nonessential information can be removed without altering the core meaning of the sentence, which means a comma is required. For example, "Roger Mayes, who often plays hooky, should be expelled." Removing "who often plays hooky" doesn't change the sentence's meaning, thus commas are appropriate. In contrast, "Everyone who plays hooky should be expelled" is essential, so no commas are used. Follow these steps to apply the rule confidently.

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Understanding Nonessential Clauses: The Use of Commas Explained

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  1. Comma Rule #4 Ms. Frost

  2. The Rule Use a comma to set off nonessential (not important/not needed) clauses and phrases.

  3. Example 1. Pull the clause out. Roger Mayes should be expelled. who often plays hooky who often plays hooky , , Is this clause needed? 2. Read the rest of the sentence. 3. The meaning doesn’t change, so you need a comma.

  4. Another example… Everyone should be expelled. 1. Pull the phrase out. who plays hooky Is this clause needed? 2. Read the rest of the sentence. 3. The meaning DEFINITELY changes, so we DO NOT need commas.

  5. Recap The Rule: Use a comma to set off nonessential (not important/not needed) clauses and phrases.

  6. Recap The method: • Take the clause out of the sentence. • Read the sentence to see if the meaning changes. • Add commas only if the meaning does not change.

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