Final answer:
Non-essential clauses in sentences provide additional details and start with subordinating conjunctions, signifying a dependent clause. These types of clauses consist of additional information (option D) and are not crucial to the sentence's meaning, often being set off by commas
Step-by-step explanation:
Non-essential clauses in sentences provide additional information that is not crucial to the overall meaning of the sentence. These clauses usually begin with subordinating conjunctions such as 'although,' 'because,' 'when,' 'since,' and 'while.' When transition words start these clauses, they signify the beginning of a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Dependent clauses should be separated by commas if they are nonessential to the main clause to ensure clarity and proper sentence structure.
It is important to distinguish between nonessential and essential information because essential information is integral to the meaning of a sentence, whereas nonessential information can be omitted without altering the fundamental meaning. When dealing with nonessential information, commas are used before and after the clause. This punctuational choice effectively sets the information apart as an additional element that may enhance understanding but is not necessary for the sentence's completeness.
The right choice for the student's question on what non-essential clauses consist of would be option D) Additional information. The key to identifying a non-essential clause is the ability to remove it without changing the main message of the sentence.