Understanding the correct punctuation of nonrestrictive modifiers is crucial for clear and effective writing. Nonrestrictive modifiers, also known as nonessential clauses, provide additional information about a noun but do not define it. This means that the sentence would still make sense without the nonrestrictive modifier. Correctly punctuating these modifiers, typically with commas, ensures that the reader can easily distinguish between essential and additional information.
What is a Nonrestrictive Modifier?
A nonrestrictive modifier adds extra information to a sentence but does not change the fundamental meaning of that sentence. It is called nonrestrictive because it does not restrict or limit the noun it describes. Here is an example to illustrate this concept:
Incorrect: The car that is parked outside is red.
Correct: The car, which is parked outside, is red.
In the first sentence, “that is parked outside” is a restrictive modifier because it specifies which car is being referred to. In the second sentence, “which is parked outside” is a nonrestrictive modifier because it provides additional information about the car but is not necessary to identify it.
The Role of Commas
Commas play a critical role in punctuating nonrestrictive modifiers. They are used to set off the nonrestrictive clause from the rest of the sentence. Without commas, the sentence may become confusing or imply a different meaning. Let’s look at some examples to understand this better:
- Example Without Commas:
The book that you lent me is fascinating.
In this sentence, “that you lent me” is a restrictive modifier. It tells us exactly which book is fascinating.
- Example With Commas:
The book, which you lent me, is fascinating.
Here, “which you lent me” is a nonrestrictive modifier. The commas indicate that this information is additional and not essential to the meaning of the sentence. The main point is that the book is fascinating, and the fact that it was lent by you is extra information.
Identifying Correctly Punctuated Nonrestrictive Modifiers
To identify a correctly punctuated nonrestrictive modifier, look for commas setting off the clause from the rest of the sentence. Here are some examples of sentences with correctly punctuated nonrestrictive modifiers:
- Correct Sentence 1:
My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.
In this sentence, “who lives in New York” is a nonrestrictive modifier. It provides extra information about my brother but is not essential to the main point of the sentence, which is that my brother is visiting.
- Correct Sentence 2:
The Eiffel Tower, which was built in 1889, is a famous landmark in Paris.
“Which was built in 1889” is a nonrestrictive modifier. The commas indicate that this is additional information about the Eiffel Tower.
- Correct Sentence 3:
Our new car, which we bought last month, has already broken down.
“Which we bought last month” is the nonrestrictive modifier here, providing extra information about the car.
Common Mistakes
Writers often make mistakes when punctuating nonrestrictive modifiers, leading to confusion or ambiguity. Here are some common errors and their corrections:
- Incorrect:
The teacher who has a red car is my neighbor.
Correct:
The teacher, who has a red car, is my neighbor.
Without the commas, the sentence suggests there is more than one teacher, and the one with a red car is being specified. With commas, it is clear that the fact about the red car is additional information.
- Incorrect:
My friend who loves hiking just moved to Colorado.
Correct:
My friend, who loves hiking, just moved to Colorado.
In the corrected sentence, “who loves hiking” is clearly additional information about my friend.
The Importance of Context
The use of nonrestrictive modifiers can sometimes be subtle and context-dependent. The meaning of a sentence can change based on whether the modifier is restrictive or nonrestrictive. Consider the following examples:
- Restrictive Modifier:
The students who passed the exam were congratulated.
This sentence implies that only the students who passed the exam were congratulated, and it uses a restrictive modifier.
- Nonrestrictive Modifier:
The students, who passed the exam, were congratulated.
This version implies that all the students passed the exam and were congratulated. The commas indicate that passing the exam is additional information, not a defining characteristic.
Exercises for Practice
To master the punctuation of nonrestrictive modifiers, it’s helpful to practice with some exercises. Try punctuating the following sentences correctly:
- The cat that has a white spot on its tail is very playful.
Answer: The cat, which has a white spot on its tail, is very playful.
- My grandmother who is 85 years old loves to travel.
Answer: My grandmother, who is 85 years old, loves to travel.
- The painting that hangs in the living room is a family heirloom.
Answer: The painting, which hangs in the living room, is a family heirloom.
Conclusion
Correctly punctuating nonrestrictive modifiers is essential for clear and precise writing. These modifiers provide additional information about a noun but are not necessary for identifying it. Commas are used to set off nonrestrictive modifiers from the rest of the sentence, helping to clarify the meaning. By understanding the role of nonrestrictive modifiers and practicing proper punctuation, writers can enhance their writing clarity and effectiveness.
