Sometimes when formulating sentences, more than one clause can be used. For example, a complex sentence comprises two or more clauses.
Definition and Examples of a Complex Sentence
A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Dependent clauses differ from independent clauses because they cannot stand alone as complete sentences. Instead, they rely on the independent clause to form a complete thought.
Example: “Although I like camping, I haven’t had the time to go lately.” “Although I like to go camping” is the dependent clause, while “I haven’t had the time to go lately” is the independent clause. This is because the dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence, while the independent clause can.
The word that signals a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence is “which.” For example, “I have three siblings, which can sometimes be overwhelming.” The word “which” introduces the nonrestrictive clause, which adds more information to the sentence but is not essential to its meaning.
Which word signals a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence? that which while yet
When punctuating complex sentences with coordinate clauses, it is important to know which words signal a nonrestrictive clause – commonly known as nonessential clauses – to use the appropriate punctuation.
The word that does not signal a nonrestrictive clause is out of the given options. Nonrestrictive clauses, which provide additional information not essential to the sentence’s meaning, are usually introduced by the words which, who, or whose, and are set apart with commas.
On the other hand, restrictive clauses, which provide essential information necessary for the sentence’s meaning, are not set apart with commas. Therefore, it is important to use the appropriate punctuation when punctuating complex sentences with nonessential clauses to avoid confusion and ensure clarity.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, read the sentence out loud to determine whether the nonessential clause is necessary for the sentence’s meaning. If you can remove the nonessential clause without changing the sentence’s overall meaning, then it is nonessential and should be set apart with commas.
Types of Clauses in Complex Sentences
There are two types of clauses in complex sentences: coordinate clauses and subordinate clauses. Coordinate clauses are independent clauses that can stand alone as complete sentences. In contrast, subordinate clauses are dependent clauses that cannot stand alone and rely on the coordinate clauses for context.
Nonrestrictive clauses are subordinate clauses that provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the sentence, but are unnecessary for the sentence to make sense.
These clauses are signaled by the use of the words “which,” “who,” or “whom.” In complex sentences, these clauses are separated by commas; their removal would not affect the sentence’s basic meaning.
Pro Tip: Understanding the different types of clauses in complex sentences can improve your writing by creating more varied and expressive sentences.
Nonrestrictive Clauses
Nonrestrictive clauses add descriptions or details that provide extra information without necessarily changing the meaning of a sentence. Such clauses are typically set apart with commas, often introduced by the word ‘which’.
This article will discuss the words that can signal nonrestrictive clauses in a complex sentence and how they can help make your writing more concise, clear, and precise.
Definition and Examples of Nonrestrictive Clauses
A nonrestrictive clause is a subordinate clause that adds more information to a sentence but is not essential to the sentence’s meaning. It is often set apart from the rest of the sentence with commas or parentheses.
For example: “My sister, who lives in New York, is coming to visit me.” The italicized clause, “who lives in New York,” is nonrestrictive because it provides additional information about the subject, but the sentence would still be grammatically sound without it.
The word “which” is the most common signal for a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence, followed by “who” for clauses referring to people. Other signals include “where,” “when,” and “whose.” It is important to use clauses correctly to avoid ambiguity or confusion in your writing.
Nonrestrictive Clauses vs. Restrictive Clauses
In complex sentences, nonrestrictive clauses are coordinate clauses that provide additional information that is not essential to the sentence’s meaning, while restrictive clauses limit or define the scope of the sentence. The keywords “which,” “who,” and “that” can signal a restrictive clause, while the words “that,” “which,” and “while” can signal a nonrestrictive clause. Notably, “that” can be used for both types of clauses.
For example, in the sentence “The book that I read yesterday was fascinating,” “that” is used as a restrictive conjunction, limiting the scope of the sentence to a specific book read yesterday. On the other hand, in the sentence “My book, which is by my favorite author, won an award,” “which” is used as a nonrestrictive conjunction, providing additional information about the book without limiting the sentence’s meaning.
Pro tip: Try removing a clause from the sentence to determine whether it is restrictive or nonrestrictive. If the sentence’s meaning changes significantly without the clause, it is likely restrictive. If the meaning remains unchanged, it is likely nonrestrictive.
Definition and Examples of That Clauses
Those dependent clauses play the role of a noun in a sentence. They are used to modify or provide additional information about the sentence’s subject. Example: “I believe that he will come.” The word “that” introduces the dependent clause, which functions as the direct object in the sentence.
On the other hand, “which” is used to introduce a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence. A nonrestrictive clause adds extra information to the sentence and is not necessary for the meaning of the sentence. For example, “The cake my aunt made was delicious.” In this sentence, the nonrestrictive clause “made by my aunt” is added to provide additional information about the cake. The keyword that signals a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence is “which”.
Pro tip: Understanding the difference between that and which clauses can help you write clearer and more precise sentences.
Definition and Examples of Which Clauses
A clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a predicate, such as “She is running.” A restrictive clause provides essential information identifying a specific noun, whereas a nonrestrictive clause provides additional and optional information.
“That” is used in restrictive clauses, whereas “which” is used in nonrestrictive clauses. For example, “The car that I bought is red” is a restrictive clause because it identifies a specific car. On the other hand, “The car, which I bought last week, is red” is a nonrestrictive clause because it provides additional information about the car.
Other words that signal a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence include “who,” “whom,” and “whose.”
It’s important to note that commas set apart nonrestrictive clauses, whereas restrictive clauses are not. Understanding the difference between the two can help improve the clarity and precision of your writing.
Differences between That and Which Clauses
The main difference between “that” and “which” clauses is that “that” clauses are used to signal restrictive clauses, while “which” clauses are used for nonrestrictive clauses.
A restrictive clause provides necessary information to identify the noun it modifies, and its absence would alter the sentence’s meaning. Therefore, “that” signals restrictive clauses in a sentence.
On the other hand, a nonrestrictive clause provides additional details that are not crucial to the sentence’s meaning. It adds an extra layer of information that can be left out without changing the sentence’s basic meaning. To signal a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence, you should use “which.”
For example, “The book that I read yesterday was excellent” vs. “The book I read yesterday was excellent.” In the first sentence, “that” signals a restrictive clause, indicating that it is necessary to identify which book is being discussed. In contrast, the second sentence uses “which” to introduce a nonrestrictive clause, providing additional information about the book’s timing.
Pro tip: Try removing the clause from the sentence to differentiate between “that” and “which” clauses. If it changes the sentence’s meaning, “that” is likely the correct choice. Otherwise, use “which.”
While Yet Clauses
The keyword “which” is commonly used to signal a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence. A nonrestrictive clause is not essential to the main point of a sentence, and can often be removed without changing the basic meaning. Comparatively, words such as “that”, “while”, and “yet” all indicate restrictive clauses, which are essential to the main point of the sentence.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between nonrestrictive and restrictive clauses, in terms of the words used to signal them.
Definition and Examples of While Yet Clauses
While yet clauses are coordinate clauses that use the conjunction ‘while yet’ to signify a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence. ‘While yet’ connects two clauses, one of which is nonrestrictive and provides additional information about the subject without changing the sentence’s meaning.
Here’s an example:
The professor, while yet stern in his demeanor, was always approachable.
In the above sentence, ‘while yet’ signals the nonrestrictive clause ‘stern in his demeanor,’ which provides more information about the professor without restricting or changing the sentence’s meaning. The main clause is ‘the professor was always approachable.’
‘Which word signals a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence? That which while yet.’ Remember to use these coordinating clauses judiciously as overuse can make your writing wordy and difficult to understand.
Differences between While Yet Clauses and That/Which Clauses
Both “while yet” clauses and “that/which” clauses are types of subordinate clauses used in complex sentences.
A “while yet” clause is a coordinate clause that introduces an additional action or condition that takes place simultaneously with the main clause. Examples: “While he was still talking, she left the room” or “She listened carefully while taking notes.”
On the other hand, “that/which” clauses are dependent clauses that provide additional information about the noun in the main clause. They are introduced by the words “that” or “which.” Examples: “The book that I borrowed from the library was very informative” or “The car parked outside belongs to my neighbor.”
The word that signals a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence is “which.” It is used to introduce nonessential or nonrestrictive clauses, which provide additional information but are not essential to the sentence’s meaning.
Pro tip: To avoid confusion between “that” and “which” clauses, use “that” when the information is essential to the meaning of the sentence and “which” when the information is additional but not essential.
Proper Usage of While Yet Clauses
While yet clauses are coordinate clauses that signal a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence. The keyword that signals a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence is “which.” While “that” and “while” can also be used in complex sentences, “which” is specifically used to introduce nonrestrictive clauses. These clauses provide additional information about the sentence’s subject but are not necessary for its meaning.
For example, “The book, written in 1945, is a classic.” The phrase “which was written in 1945” is a nonrestrictive clause, providing additional information about the book but not necessary to understand the sentence’s meaning.
Understanding when to use these clauses correctly is crucial to avoid ambiguity in your writing.
Pro tip: Use a comma before and after a nonrestrictive clause to set it off from the rest of the sentence.
Tips for Using Nonrestrictive Clauses
A nonrestrictive clause, also known as a nonessential clause, is used to add information to a sentence but does not change the main meaning of the sentence. This type of clause is preceded with the words that, which, while, or yet, which signal to the reader that the clause is nonrestrictive.
This section will discuss some tips for using nonrestrictive clauses correctly.
Avoiding Ambiguity
When constructing complex sentences, avoiding ambiguity by correctly using nonrestrictive clauses is important. These clauses provide additional information about the main clause of a sentence without changing its meaning. The keyword that signals a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence is “which”. Other keywords like “that”, “who”, and “where” signal restrictive clauses.
It is important to note that nonrestrictive clauses are always separated by a comma, and the words “that”, “which”, and “who” can sometimes be used interchangeably in nonrestrictive clauses. However, using “which” for nonrestrictive clauses that follow a preposition or conjunction is generally recommended.
By effectively utilizing nonrestrictive clauses and the keyword “which”, writers can avoid ambiguity and create clear, concise sentences that effectively communicate their intended message.
Varying Sentence Structure
To make your writing engaging and dynamic, it’s important to vary your sentence structure, which can be achieved by utilizing nonrestrictive and coordinate clauses.
A nonrestrictive clause provides additional description to a sentence without changing its overall meaning. The word “which” is the most commonly used word to signal a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence, but “that,” “while,” and “yet” can also be used.
For example, “The book, written by my favorite author, was very interesting to read.” The nonrestrictive clause here is “which was written by my favorite author” and could be removed without altering the sentence’s meaning.
A coordinate clause, on the other hand, consists of two or more clauses linked together by coordinating conjunctions such as “and,” “but,” or “yet.” Using coordinate clauses can make your writing flow more smoothly, and add emphasis and variety to your sentences. Remember, varying your sentence structure is key to engaging writing!
Proofreading for Proper Punctuation
When proofreading for proper punctuation, it’s essential to understand how to use nonrestrictive clauses and coordinate clauses correctly to avoid errors.
Nonrestrictive clauses provide unnecessary information for the sentence’s meaning, and commas typically set them apart. The word that, which, while, and yet are often used as signals for a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence. For example, “The book I borrowed from the library was overdue.” In this sentence, the clause “which I borrowed from the library” is nonrestrictive and set off by commas.
Coordinate clauses join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, yet, so, for, and nor. Using a comma before the coordinating conjunction is essential to separate the clauses correctly.
You can produce clear and error-free writing by understanding how to use nonrestrictive clauses and coordinate clauses and their associated punctuation correctly.
Pro Tip: Reading your writing aloud can help you identify punctuation and sentence structure errors.
Examples of Nonrestrictive Clauses in Complex Sentences
Nonrestrictive clauses in complex sentences are those that are not essential to the idea expressed in the sentence; they are not needed for the sentence to make sense. The signal word for a nonrestrictive clause is usually the word “which,” but there are other signal words that can be used, such as “that,” “while,” and “yet.”
This article will explore some examples of nonrestrictive clauses in complex sentences.
Samples of Properly Punctuated Sentences
Which word signals a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence? That, which, or while yet are all examples. Here are some samples of properly punctuated sentences with nonrestrictive clauses in complex sentences.
1. The building was built in 1902 and is now a historical monument.
2. John’s car, that black sports car, is his pride and joy.
3. The dog, while yet a puppy, was already winning obedience awards.
In these examples, the nonrestrictive clauses (in bold) provide additional information about the sentence’s subject. Using a comma before the nonrestrictive clause signals the reader that the information is not necessary for understanding the sentence but is instead an added detail. This proper punctuation helps to create clear and concise writing.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
When constructing complex sentences, it’s important to understand nonrestrictive clauses and the signal words that indicate them to avoid common pitfalls in writing.
A nonrestrictive clause provides additional information about the subject of the sentence but is not essential to the sentence’s meaning. Therefore, it’s set apart from the main clause by commas.
The signal words that indicate nonrestrictive clauses are “which,” “who,” and “whom.” For example, in the sentence “My dog, which loves to play fetch, chewed up my shoe,” the phrase “which loves to play fetch” is a nonrestrictive clause providing additional information about the dog but is unnecessary to understand that the shoe was chewed up.
Common pitfalls in writing nonrestrictive clauses include using “that” instead of “which” and forgetting to use commas to set the clause apart from the main clause. By understanding the role of nonrestrictive clauses and the signal words that indicate them, you can avoid these errors and improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.
Practice Exercises and Solutions
Which word signals a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence? The word “which” can signal a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence. A nonrestrictive clause is a group of words that provides additional information but is not essential to the sentence’s meaning.
Commas set it off and can be removed without changing the essential meaning of the sentence. For example, “The car, which was red, drove down the street” contains a nonrestrictive clause because the information about the car’s color is unnecessary to understand the sentence’s meaning. The sentence could still be understood if it read, “The car drove down the street.” Other words that can signal nonrestrictive clauses in complex sentences include “that,” “while,” and “yet.”
Practice exercises and solutions are available to help you master the use of nonrestrictive clauses in your writing.
