Question

Determine whether the phrase ( in quotations ) or clause In each sentence is restrictive or nonrestrictive.

1. Lightning that strikes in dry forests can cause forest fires.
A) Restrictive; no commas needed
B) Nonrestrictive; commas are needed
2. Often thunderstorms produce lightning “that ignites wet areas”
A) Restrictive; no commas needed
B) Nonrestrictive; commas are needed

Answer 1

1. The correct answer is A, because if there were a comma, or if that clause was deleted, the whole sentence would have a completely different meaning.
2. It is also restrictive, the same as in the first example.