Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the
sentence.
Nonessential clauses or phrases
Eileen Murray, who is at the top of
her class, wants to go to medical
school.
Nonessential
clause
Tim Ricardo, hoping to make the
swim team, practiced every day.
Nonessential
phrase
Interrupters
A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) clause or phrase
adds information that is not necessary to the main
idea in the sentence.
Murray wants
to at
gothe
to medical
school.
Eileen Murray,
who is
top of her
class,
wants to go to medical school.
Removing the nonessential clause does not change the
main idea of the sentence.
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the
sentence.
Nonessential appositives and appositive
phrases
Their parrot, Mina, is very gentle.
Nonessential
appositive
Elizabeth Peña, my favorite actress,
stars in the movie I rented.
Nonessential
appositive
phrase
Essential vs. Nonessential
Elements
• Essential Clause = Essential
Information = No Comma
• Nonessential Clause = Extra
Information = Comma
Commas with Nonessential
Expressions
Appositives/Appositive Phrases:
• Essential: The 1943 movie Sahara
takes place in North Africa.
• Nonessential: Sahara, a 1943
movie, takes place in North Africa.
Commas with Nonessential
Expressions
Participial Phrases:
• Essential: The man waiting in the
van is our tour guide.
• Nonessential: Pat, waiting in the
car, asked us to hurry.
Commas with Nonessential
Expressions
Clauses:
• Essential: We need someone who
can lead us to victory.
• Nonessential: We cheered
enthusiastically for Darius, who could
lead us to victory.
Interrupters
A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) appositive or
appositive phrase provides information that is
unnecessary to the basic meaning of the sentence.
parrot,isMina,
is very gentle.
Their parrot
very gentle.
Removing the nonessential appositive
does not change the meaning of the
sentence.
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the
sentence.
Direct address
Linda, please read the poem
aloud.
I like the image of the birds in
flight, Mr. Ryan.
Your comment, Bernie, is interesting.
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the
sentence.
Parenthetical expressions
Of course, I am glad that he called me about
the extra movie tickets.
She is, in fact, a dentist.
You should try out for quarterback, in my
opinion.
Interrupters
Parenthetical expressions are side remarks that
add information or relate ideas.
Commonly Used Parenthetical Expressions
after all
generally speaking
nevertheless
at any rate
however
of course
consequently
I believe
on the contrary
for example
in the first place
on the other hand
for instance
moreover
therefore
Interrupters
Identify whether the following items are
missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. My favorite painting Mona Lisa is displayed
at the Louvre in Paris.
2. Did you know Amy that one of Faith
Ringgold’s story quilts sold for $40,000?
3. You are, I hope, planning to go to the
museum with me.
Interrupters
Identify whether the following items are
missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. My favorite painting,Mona Lisa,is displayed
at the Louvre in Paris.
M
Interrupters
Identify whether the following items are
missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
2. Did you know, Amy, that one of Faith
Ringgold’s story quilts sold for $40,000?
M
Interrupters
Identify whether the following items are
missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items
missing commas, add the comma where needed.
3. You are, I hope, planning to go to the
museum with me.
C
Interrupters
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following
sentences.
1. My dad’s classic car a 1955 Mustang won first
place in the car show.
2. That sculpture in my opinion is the most beautiful
one in the exhibit.
3. Are you competing in the track meet Joyce?
[End of Section]
Interrupters
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following
sentences.
1. My dad’s classic car, a 1955 Mustang,won first
place in the car show.
2. That sculpture,in my opinion,is the most beautiful
one in the exhibit.
3. Are you competing in the track meet,Joyce?