SAT Reading & Writing: Commas with Nonessential (Parenthetical) Clauses
37+ practice questions in Praczo
The concept, explained
- 1
A nonessential (parenthetical) clause adds extra information that can be removed without changing the core meaning. It must be set off by commas on both sides.
- 2
An essential clause cannot be removed — it identifies who or what is being discussed. No commas.
- 3
Test: remove the clause. If the sentence still makes clear sense AND identifies the right person/thing, the clause is nonessential → use commas.
- 4
"Which" typically introduces nonessential clauses (use commas); "that" typically introduces essential clauses (no commas).
- 5
A person's name, when used as an appositive, is usually nonessential: "My brother, Jake, called last night."
- ✗ Omitting the closing comma after a nonessential clause — both the opening and closing commas are required.
- ✗ Using "which" without a comma or "that" with a comma, reversing the essential/nonessential distinction.
SAT-style practice
Which sentence correctly uses commas with a nonessential clause?
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