Here’s how to use commas to offset different clauses and phrases:
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A nonrestrictive clause:
- Example: My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us this weekend.
- Explanation: The clause "who lives in New York" is nonrestrictive because it adds extra information but is not essential to understanding the main point of the sentence.
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A restrictive clause:
- Example: The book that you lent me was fascinating.
- Explanation: The clause "that you lent me" is restrictive because it specifies which book is being referred to and is essential to the meaning of the sentence. No commas are used here.
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A restrictive phrase:
- Example: The man wearing a blue hat is my uncle.
- Explanation: The phrase "wearing a blue hat" is restrictive because it specifies which man is being talked about and is essential to the sentence. No commas are used here.
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All clauses and phrases:
- Example: The car, which is red, and the bike that he rides are both new.
- Explanation: Here, "which is red" is a nonrestrictive clause and is offset with commas, while "that he rides" is a restrictive clause and does not have commas because it specifies which bike is being referenced.
By understanding how to correctly use commas with different types of clauses and phrases, you can enhance clarity and meaning in your writing.