English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
What does the punctuation suggest?
What does the punctuation suggest?
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify restrictive elements in sentences.
Identify nonrestrictive elements in sentences.
Explain the difference in meaning between sentences with restrictive and nonrestrictive elements.
Correctly punctuate nonrestrictive elements using commas.
Explain why restrictive elements are not set off by commas.
Revise sentences to appropriately use restrictive and nonrestrictive elements for clarity.
Imagine telling a friend about your favorite book. Would you pause to give extra details, or would some details be absolutely essential for them to know which book you mean? 🤔
In this lesson, you'll learn how punctuation, especially commas, helps us understand which parts of a sentence are essential information and which are just extra details. Mastering thi...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
ElementA word, phrase, or clause that functions as a single unit within a sentence.In 'The dog *with the fluffy tail* barked,' 'with the fluffy tail' is an element.
Restrictive ElementInformation that is absolutely necessary to identify or define the noun it describes. Removing it would change the fundamental meaning or make the sentence unclear.The student *who studied hard* passed the test. (The clause 'who studied hard' is essential to know *which* student passed.)
Nonrestrictive ElementExtra information that adds detail but isn't needed to understand who or what is being talked about. Removing it does not change the fundamental meaning of the sentence.My brother, *who loves pizza*, is visiting this weekend. (The clause 'who...
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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 show that the information is extra and could be removed without changing the main idea of the sentence. Think of them as parentheses for optional details.
Punctuation for Restrictive Elements
Restrictive elements are NOT set off by commas.
Do not use commas when the information is essential for identifying or defining the noun it describes. Removing it would make the sentence unclear or change its meaning.
Using 'That' vs. 'Which' (General Guideline)
'That' typically introduces restrictive clauses (no commas...
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Challenging
A historian wants to state that all of the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, and this act demonstrated their bravery. Which sentence's punctuation best conveys this meaning about the entire group?
A.The founding fathers, who signed the Declaration of Independence, were brave.
B.The founding fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence were brave.
C.The brave founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.
D.The founding fathers were brave, and they signed the Declaration of Independence.
Challenging
An author writes: "The city's oldest building, which was constructed in 1888, survived the fire." Based on the author's choice of punctuation, what can you most logically infer?
A.The author believes the building's age is the only reason it survived.
B.The author is unsure of the exact construction date.
C.The author wants to emphasize that other, newer buildings did not survive.
D.The author assumes the reader already knows which building is being discussed, making its construction date non-essential information.
Challenging
A student wrote: "The experiments, that failed, taught us a lot." A teacher suggests a revision. Which revision and explanation are most accurate?
A.Revise to "The experiments which failed taught us a lot." The word 'which' is better for objects.
B.The sentence is correct as is; the commas add a dramatic pause.
C.Revise to "The experiments that failed taught us a lot." The lack of commas clarifies that only the failed experiments are being discussed, not all of them.
D.Revise to "The experiments, which failed, taught us a lot." This is correct because all experiments have some failure.
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