Where should a comma be placed to set off nonessential information?

Where should a comma be placed to set off nonessential information?

• A. Before the nonessential clause only.
• B. Before and after the nonessential clause or phrase.
• C. After the nonessential clause only.
• D. There is no need to set off nonessential information.

Answer: (B)

Nonessential information adds extra detail that can be removed without changing the main meaning of the sentence. When such information appears, it should be set off with commas on both sides so readers know it’s optional. For example, in a sentence like “My sister, the artist, designed this poster,” the phrase “the artist” is extra detail about my sister. If you take it out, the sentence still makes sense: “My sister designed this poster.” The two commas clearly mark the beginning and end of that optional information. If you put only a comma before or only after, the boundary isn’t clearly signaled and the sentence can feel abrupt or ambiguous. So, the rule is to enclose nonessential information with commas on both sides.

Nonessential information adds extra detail that can be removed without changing the main meaning of the sentence. When such information appears, it should be set off with commas on both sides so readers know it’s optional. For example, in a sentence like “My sister, the artist, designed this poster,” the phrase “the artist” is extra detail about my sister. If you take it out, the sentence still makes sense: “My sister designed this poster.” The two commas clearly mark the beginning and end of that optional information. If you put only a comma before or only after, the boundary isn’t clearly signaled and the sentence can feel abrupt or ambiguous. So, the rule is to enclose nonessential information with commas on both sides.