Question

language development: conventions
identify the choice that best answers the question.
which of the following sentences uses a comma to set off a nonrestrictive clause?
a. mom likes her new smartphone, which got excellent reviews online.
b. she has added the contacts for family members, friends, and work.
c. the phone comes with a case, and it has her initials on it.
d. mom had a coupon, so the phone was quite affordable.

Explanation:

To determine which sentence uses a comma to set off a nonrestrictive clause, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The clause "which got excellent reviews online" is nonrestrictive (it provides extra information about the smartphone, not essential for identifying it) and is set off by a comma.
• Option B: The commas are used to separate items in a list (family members, friends, work), not for a nonrestrictive clause.
• Option C: The comma is used with the conjunction "and" to connect two independent clauses, not for a nonrestrictive clause.
• Option D: The comma is used with the conjunction "so" to connect two independent clauses, not for a nonrestrictive clause.

Answer:

A. Mom likes her new smartphone, which got excellent reviews online.