Commas with non-restrictive elements
Key notes:
| What are Non-Restrictive Elements? |
Non-restrictive elements give extra information about a noun in the sentence.
✅ The sentence would still make sense even if the extra information is removed.
Example:
Riya, who is my best friend, won the competition.
(Extra info: “who is my best friend”)
| Key Rules |
| Rule | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ✨ Use commas to separate non-restrictive elements | Place a comma before and after the extra information | My brother, a skilled guitarist, performed on stage. |
| 🚫 Do NOT use commas with essential (restrictive) information | If the information is necessary to identify the noun, no commas are used | Students who study daily score well. |
| 🙋♀️ Non-restrictive clauses often begin with who, which, where | These words start extra info that is not needed to identify the noun | The school, which was built in 1985, is very famous. |
| How to Identify a Non-Restrictive Element |
Ask yourself:
👉 If I remove this part, does the sentence still make complete sense?
If YES ✅ → It’s non-restrictive, use commas.
If NO ❌ → It’s restrictive, don’t use commas.
| Examples |
✔ With Non-Restrictive Commas:
- My mother, who loves gardening, planted new flowers. 🌸
- The Taj Mahal, which is in Agra, is a world wonder. 🕌
- Mr. Sharma, our English teacher, is very kind. 👨🏫
❌ No commas (Restrictive):
- Students who misbehave will be punished.
(Only those students) - Books that teach values are important.
| Quick Tip to Remember |
💡 Non-restrictive = Non-essential = Needs commas
✏️ Think of commas like hugging the extra information:
➡️ , extra info ,
| Practice Time! |
Add commas where needed:
- My sister who lives in Delhi is coming home.
- The car which was red sped past us.
- Mahesh my neighbour helped me with homework.
Let’s practice!🖊️
