1. Non-Essential Clauses and Phrases
* Definition: These are clauses or phrases that provide additional information but aren't crucial to the sentence's core meaning. They can be removed without changing the essential meaning of the sentence.
* Example:
* "The cat, which was very fluffy, sat on the windowsill."
* (The core meaning is that the cat sat on the windowsill. The fluffy detail is extra information.)
2. Appositives
* Definition: An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or clarifies another noun.
* Example:
* "My friend, the one with the red hair, is a doctor."
* (The appositive "the one with the red hair" clarifies which friend is being discussed.)
3. Parentheticals
* Definition: Parentheticals are words or phrases that add extra information, comment, or explanation.
* Example:
* "The project, to put it mildly, was a disaster."
* (The parenthetical "to put it mildly" adds a subjective comment.)
4. Introductory Phrases
* Definition: Introductory phrases come before the main clause of a sentence. They often set the scene or provide context.
* Example:
* "After finishing her homework, Sarah went for a walk."
* "In the depths of the forest, a lone wolf howled."
5. Interjections
* Definition: Interjections are words or phrases that express strong emotion.
* Example:
* "Oh my goodness, that was a close call!"
* "Well, I suppose that's the end of that."
Important Notes:
* Punctuation Consistency: If you use a comma to start the extra information, you need to use a comma to end it as well.
* Clarity and Flow: Commas help the reader understand the relationships between different parts of the sentence. They create pauses and make the writing flow more smoothly.
Let me know if you'd like to see more examples or have any other questions!