English Language Arts
Grade 7
46 min
English Language Arts Lesson 3
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify restrictive elements in sentences.
Identify nonrestrictive elements in sentences.
Explain the function of restrictive elements in conveying essential information.
Explain the function of nonrestrictive elements in providing additional, non-essential information.
Correctly punctuate sentences containing restrictive elements.
Correctly punctuate sentences containing nonrestrictive elements using commas.
Revise sentences to improve clarity by correctly using restrictive and nonrestrictive elements.
Ever wonder why some parts of a sentence seem to add extra details, while others are absolutely essential? 🤔 Let's uncover the secrets of sentence structure!
In this lesson, you'll learn to distinguish between restrictive and nonrestrictive...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
ElementA word, phrase, or clause that functions as a single unit within a sentence, adding detail or modifying another part.In 'The tall boy ran quickly,' 'tall' is an element modifying 'boy,' and 'quickly' is an element modifying 'ran.'
Restrictive ElementA word, phrase, or clause that is essential to the meaning of the sentence; removing it would change or confuse the sentence's core meaning or the identity of the noun it modifies.The student who scored highest received an award. (The clause 'who scored highest' is essential to identify *which* student.)
Nonrestrictive ElementA word, phrase, or clause that provides additional, non-essential information; removing it would not change the core meaning of...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Punctuation for Nonrestrictive Elements
Nonrestrictive elements are always set off by commas. If the element is in the middle of a sentence, use a comma before and after it. If it's at the end, use a comma before it.
Use commas to signal to the reader that the information is extra and could be removed without changing the main idea of the sentence.
Punctuation for Restrictive Elements
Restrictive elements are NOT set off by commas.
Since restrictive elements are essential to the meaning, they are integrated directly into the sentence without punctuation breaks, indicating their critical role.
Using 'That' vs. 'Which'
Use 'that' to introduce restrictive clauses. Use 'which' to introduce nonrestrictive clauses, and always prec...
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
Consider the sentence: 'My brother David is a doctor.' Based on the punctuation (or lack thereof), what can you infer about the speaker's family?
A.The speaker has only one brother, and his name is David.
B.The speaker is not on good terms with his brother David.
C.The speaker has more than one brother.
D.The speaker's brother is not a very good doctor.
Challenging
Which punctuation error exists in the following sentence? 'The Amazon River which is the largest river by volume flows through South America a continent known for its biodiversity.'
A.The clause 'which is the largest river by volume' is nonrestrictive and needs commas around it.
B.The appositive 'a continent known for its biodiversity' is restrictive and should not have a comma before it.
C.The word 'which' should be replaced with 'that'.
D.There should be a semicolon after 'South America'.
Challenging
How should this sentence be corrected to follow all the rules from the lesson? 'The painting that is my favorite, is the Mona Lisa which is displayed in the Louvre.'
A.The painting, that is my favorite, is the Mona Lisa, which is displayed in the Louvre.
B.The painting that is my favorite is the Mona Lisa, that is displayed in the Louvre.
C.The painting, which is my favorite, is the Mona Lisa, which is displayed in the Louvre.
D.The painting that is my favorite is the Mona Lisa, which is displayed in the Louvre.
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